Kinloch Road Closure

Kinloch Road remains impassable due to a washout, and will remain closed for several more days.   This web page has been set up to provide updates on the road and information for those affected. 

Temporary Bypass now open for ten-minute intervals, on the hour: 

Contractors have made good progress to construct a temporary access, bypassing the wash out on Kinloch Road. 

Construction is still underway, but it is now safe enough to open the road from 12noon today for ten-minute intervals, on the hour. 

Opening times for today are: 

12.00pm – 12.10pm

1.00pm to 1.10pm  

2.00pm to 2:10pm

3.00pm to 3.10pm

4.00pm to 4.10pm

The road will remain open overnight tonight, between 5.00pm – 8.00am. 

The plan for Friday 15 November is the same, open every hour, on the hour, for ten-minute intervals between 8.00pm – 5.00pm.  A further update on the plan for the weekend will be provided on Friday afternoon. 

Please note, the road will close again after every ten-minute interval to allow for contractors to continue construction. 

Options for those affected:

Council continues to liaise with affected individuals and organisations including the Retreat, DOC and Greenstone Station.

If you are affected by the road closure you have the following options:

• Stay in place and leave via the temporary bypass, opening hours outlined above.

• Contact the Kinloch Wilderness Lodge, who have been helping people to leave via boat and share information. Please note if you choose to leave, arrangements will need to be made separately for the retrieval of vehicles or any personal belongings that can’t be taken with you.

Concerned about missing a flight connection?

Anyone with concerns about onward travel should contact their insurer or flight operator to discuss what assistance is available.

What about rental cars

Please contact your rental car company to discuss your options.  You could remain in place until the temporary bypass is completed, or leave Kinloch and arrange the retrieval of the rental car at a later date. 

Personal belongings

We’re aware some people have left Kinloch but have been unable to take some of their personal belongings.   If you choose to come back to retrieve belongings before access is restored, please be aware you are doing this at your own cost and risk.

Information for visitors arriving in Kinloch after 9 November 2024

Council is working as quickly as possible to restore access to Kinloch and Greenstone Valley.  Anyone who chooses to go into this area after the road closure was put in place, does so at their own risk and will need to make their own arrangements to leave if access if not yet restored. 

Stay safe and up-to-date

We’ll be keeping this web page updated as new information is available and sharing new details on our Facebook page. 

Please keep safe and observe the road closure – anyone who chooses not to follow official advice does so at their own risk.