Advice for cyclists travelling south from Picton

The main route between Picton and Christchurch on State Highway 1 is closed due to substantial slips and road damage following the 14 November earthquake.

NZTA advice: The alternate state highway route between Picton and Christchurch is via state highways 7, 65, 6 and 63 via Murchison and Lewis Pass. However, we recommend that cyclists avoid this route and follow the advice below.

CYCLISTS TRAVELLING BETWEEN PICTON AND CHRISTCHURCH

Due to the combination of increased traffic volumes (in particular large trucks) and a lack of shoulder space on the alternate state highway route via Murchison, Springs Junction and Lewis Pass, we recommend that cyclists avoid using this route as much as possible and consider taking public transport between Blenheim and Springs Junction if heading to the West Coast, or to Christchurch if heading to the East Coast.

Alternatively, those who are determined to cycle should consider the following route, which avoids most of the busy highways:

1. From Picton, follow Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, then State Highway 6 to Nelson. There is a 4WD option over Maungatapu Track for mountain bikes.
2. From Nelson, follow the Great Taste Trail to Wakefield, then ride over Pigeon Valley Road, Dovedale Road and Sunday Creek Road to Stanley Brook. Head south to Tapawera and then follow Tadmor Valley Road to Glenhope, and State Highway 6 to Kawatiri Junction.
3. From Kawatiri there is no alternative but to follow the ‘alternate state highway route’ for 6km to the Gowan Valley Road turn-off.  Take care and consider riding either early in the morning or late in the evening.  Ride down Gowan Valley Road to Lake Rotoroa, then over the Braeburn Track (a gravel road), Tutaki Road and Mangles Valley Road back out to State Highway 6. Ride with care for 4.5km to Murchison.
4. From Murchison, we recommend following State Highway 6 to Inangahua, but riding this section either early or late in the day when traffic volumes are considerably lower. From Inangahua, take Brown Creek Road south, followed by State Highway 69 to Reefton.
   
   Map attached