Massive slip disrupts flow of aid supplies to Christchurch

Heavy rain and not seismic activity is being blamed for the slip near Kaikoura that has blocked State Highway 1. Photo / NZTA

Vital supplies and equipment for rebuilding Canterbury will be forced to detour around a huge slip near Kaikoura until at least Thursday.

The 100m-long slip at Peketa, about 8km south of Kaikoura, happened on Friday night, blocking State Highway 1. Heavy rainfall, and not recent earthquake activity, is blamed.

Cars are being diverted to the inland Kaikoura road, which will add an extra 90 minutes to the journey to Christchurch.

Trucks, buses and heavy vehicles must use SH63 via the Wairau Valley and SH7 via the Lewis Pass to travel south, adding two and a half hours to a trip to Christchurch.

KiwiRail confirmed that the TranzCoastal passenger train service between Christchurch and Picton would also be suspended until at least Thursday. It said it was unable to transport passengers by bus because of the slip.

"As the road is closed as well, we cannot run a coach replacement and hope to keep even remotely to timetable or meet the Interislander ferry," spokeswoman Deborah Hume said.

In the meantime, KiwiRail was contacting passengers to offer alternative dates or a refund.

Contractors worked at the weekend clearing 20,000cu m of rock, dirt and debris across the road and railway but Canterbury state highways operations manager Peter Connors said they must be confident there is no risk to users before the road reopens.

- NZPA