Christchurch fires: Road restrictions around Port Hills lifted

A helicopter with monsoon bucket battles wild fires on the Port Hills, Christchurch, last month. Photo / Martin Hunter

Authorities this afternoon lifted access restrictions on roads around the Port Hills area.

Dyers Pass Rd is now open all day and throughout the night, a spokesman for the Christchurch City Council said just after 3pm.

The road was re-opened on Saturday, with motorists allowed to access it between 6am and 7pm.

Murray Sinclair, manager of the Christchurch Recovery effort, said there would be, however, a speed restriction in place and a no-stopping rule.

"We know what a crucial lifeline Dyers Pass Rd is and how much people have been wanting to regain access to the much-loved tracks and park spaces,'' he said.

"The rural firefighters and roading, tree and other experts we've had accessing the various risks have worked hard to provide an assurance the area is safe to provide access.''

As well as Dyers Pass Rd, authorities have also opened Summit Rd east of Sign of the Kiwi to traffic - which will also provide access to riding and walking tracks.

People wanting to walk or ride in the area can now access tracks off Summit Rd east, Victoria Park, Sugarloaf reserve and Bowenvale Valley. Only the lower part of Harry Ell track is open to the public.

Kennedy's Bush track is closed, but Halswell Quarry Park is also open.

Firefighters continue to work on the west side of Summit Rd - which remains closed as a result.

Christchurch Adventure Park is also closed and people were urged to stay away from those areas.

**For more info visit: www.ccc.govt.nz/parks-and-gardens/explore-parks