Quake-damaged State Highway 1 north and south of Kaikōura will reopen to traffic 24/7 at the end of next month, Transport Minister Phil Twyford says.
Photo: RNZ / Cole Eastham-Farrelly
The road has only been open during daylight hours while crews worked to repair the highway, which was badly damaged in the November 2016 quake and then badly hit by Cyclone Gita.
The road is part of the main route between Picton and Christchurch.
Mr Twyford said the news would be welcomed by local communities and the freight industry.
He said it would bring further social and economic benefits back to the region.
And Kaikōura's mayor Winston Gray said it was the best news the tourist town had had in a long time.
"Our visitor industry - they've been asking me this question - do I know when it will be opening?
"Having this come through means that people can plan marketing and even locals can plan their day - their lives... so really good news."
Mr Gray said the road might still have to close occasionally during bad weather.
