The New Zealand Transport Agency has bowed to public pressure and plans to increase the opening hours of its only road through the Haast Pass on the West Coast.
The alpine road has been blocked by several slips since heavy rain hit the region in September this year, but the largest remaining slip near Diana Falls is the last one left to be stabilised.
The road is open during the day, but will continue to close at 7pm in case the slip moves in the darkness.
The agency says from the six community and tourist industry meetings held recently on the West Coast and in North Otago, it is apparent everyone wanted the road's opening hours to be extended.
From Thursday, the highway will be open at the slip site from 8am, rather than 9am.
