13 August 2026
The national freight network is operating today, but conditions remain constrained. Cook Strait sailing risk, regional road disruptions, active highway works and winter driving conditions may cause extended transit times through the week.
- Interislander and Bluebridge services are running scheduled sailings.
- Winter conditions may affect sailing schedules at short notice.
- Freight crossing between islands should be monitored closely, especially time-sensitive consignments.
- Nelson: Ongoing disruption from a truck crash affecting SH6 Nelson.
- Kaikōura corridor: Continued traffic management and roadworks south of Kaikōura on SH1.
- Canterbury, Otago, Nelson-Marlborough and Southland: Multiple active roadwork programmes and traffic advisories may slow linehaul movements.
- Cold weather and winter road conditions remain the main operating risk today.
- Drivers should allow extra time on alpine, inland and exposed routes.
- Weather-related ferry or road changes may occur with limited notice.
- Slightly extended transit times are possible for Cook Strait freight.
- Regional delays may occur where freight moves through roadworks, incidents or winter-affected corridors.
- Economy freight moving through multiple hubs may experience longer end-to-end transit times.
- Allow extra lead time for inter-island and South Island freight.
- Book urgent freight as early as possible.
- Monitor consignments moving through Nelson, Marlborough, Canterbury, Otago and Cook Strait lanes.
- Check NZTA highway updates before dispatching time-sensitive freight.