Flooding on State Highway 75 on Banks Peninsula. Photo: NZTAThe town of Akaroa on Banks Peninsula will remain cut off overnight, with State Highway 75 closed because of flooding and slips. NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi says floodwaters haven't receded enough for the road to open, while MetService has extended an orange heavy rain warning for the peninsula until 8pm. Meanwhile, across Banks Peninsula about 260 homes are still without power, and cell phone coverage is out for many people. Telecommunications Forum chief executive Paul Brislen said Two Degrees was now fully operational in the Banks Peninsula area, but One New Zealand and Spark were still off line.

Source: Otago Daily Times February 17, 2026 17:14 UTC