24 Sep 2024

Haast Pass State Highway 6 closed between Makarora and Haast after rockfall

3:49 pm on 24 September 2024
Rockfall near Orman Falls has closed State Highway 6 between Haast and Makarora.

Rockfall near Orman Falls has closed State Highway 6 between Haast and Makarora. Photo: NZTA / Waka Kotahi

NZTA is warning travellers through Haast Pass to take extra care after a large slip closed the road on Tuesday.

Drivers between the West Coast and Otago had been told to postpone their journeys after a massive rockfall near Ormand Falls closed State Highway 6 between Haast and Makarora.

The road reopened shortly after 3pm after the rockfall was cleared, but NZTA warned travellers to be careful.

"Take extra care when driving along this route as some debris may remain."

Google Maps had shown the trip between Haast and Wānaka would take 10 hours 48 minutes, via Arthur's Pass, Geraldine and Twizel.

A Google Maps screenshot showing the journey time between Haast and Wānaka after rockfall closed State Highway 6.

Travellers between Haast and Wānaka face an almost 11-hour detour after rockfall closed State Highway 6. Photo: Google Maps

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