West Coast police today advised motorists to take extra care when driving through the Lewis Pass and Maruia Valley on State highways 7 and 65 as traffic numbers build up. Other measures were being investigated to deal with the increased traffic flows, with more heavy trucks and freight movements through the Lewis Pass to Christchurch. Meanwhile, post-quake tourists have started flocking to the West Coast, with all main routes open. Tourists in Marlborough can drive to the West Coast via the Wairau Valley to Murchison and through the Buller Gorge to Punakaiki, or through Reefton to Greymouth. Those in Canterbury can reach the West Coast via Arthur's Pass or the Lewis Pass, while the Haast Pass is also open.

Source: Otago Daily Times November 16, 2016 01:26 UTC