Key facts
- Fact 01
The convoys ran between Camp Creek and Wharf Creek and are no longer needed.
- Fact 02
A temporary 50km/h speed limit remains in place at Waterfall Slip on State Highway 6.
- Fact 03
Temporary traffic lights control stop/go traffic at Windy Point on State Highway 6.
State Highway 6 between Makarora and Hāwea is fully open, NZTA Waka Kotahi said on Friday 23 October 2026. The weekday escorted convoys between Camp Creek and Wharf Creek have ended after crews made great progress during the week. We read the NZTA traffic bulletin on Monday 26 October NZ time.
Fully open does not mean free of delays. A temporary 50km/h speed limit remains at Waterfall Slip, and temporary traffic lights control stop/go traffic at Windy Point. NZTA says drivers should expect temporary traffic management at various places along this section while crews continue recovery work.
The weather matters for the next few days. NZTA's bulletin noted that the forecast showed heavy rain in the area on Monday 26 October, and that crews would have equipment on standby ready to respond if needed. It also described a wet and gusty weekend for many parts of the South Island and asked road users to think carefully about travel on state highways and take extra care in places.
If you are driving between Queenstown, Wānaka and Makarora, check the NZTA highway conditions page on the morning you travel and again before you leave your last town. Allow extra time for the lights and the lower speed limit, and have a plan B if the rain brings fresh slips.
For trip planning, our Queenstown to Wānaka drive guide covers the route in and out of Wānaka, and our Queenstown vs Wānaka guide helps you decide where to base yourself.
Questions visitors are asking
Is State Highway 6 between Makarora and Hāwea open?
Yes. NZTA said on Friday 23 October 2026 that State Highway 6 between Makarora and Hāwea is fully open again. Temporary traffic management remains at several places along the section while crews continue recovery work, so allow extra time and check the NZTA highway conditions page on the morning you drive.
Where are the delays on SH6 between Makarora and Hāwea?
NZTA lists two fixed spots on State Highway 6 between Makarora and Hāwea: a temporary 50km/h speed limit at Waterfall Slip and temporary traffic lights controlling stop/go traffic at Windy Point. It also warns of temporary traffic management at other places along the section, so allow extra time for the trip.
Are the escorted convoys on SH6 near Makarora still running?
No. NZTA ended the weekday escorted convoys between Camp Creek and Wharf Creek on 23 October 2026 after crews made great progress during the week. Drivers on State Highway 6 near Makarora no longer wait for a convoy, but the 50km/h limit at Waterfall Slip and the lights at Windy Point remain.
Could rain close State Highway 6 near Makarora again?
NZTA has not announced a closure. Its bulletin noted heavy rain forecast in the area on Monday 26 October 2026, with crews keeping equipment on standby ready to respond if needed. Check the NZTA highway conditions page before you leave Queenstown or Wānaka, check again at your last town, and have a plan B.