Request:
I am writing to request confirmation of the reopening of Godley Peaks Road following the snow event in July 2026.
Could you please confirm:
- The approximate time Godley Peaks Road officially reopened to traffic on 9 July 2026.
- Whether the 4.00 pm Weather Event Update was the first public notification that the road had reopened.
- Whether any winter driving warnings or cautions remained in place following the reopening.
Response:
Our information shows that the road was closed from 15:21 on the 7th of July until 16:04 on the 13th of July.
On the 8th of July, the SITREP provided by FH at 8:00 only had the Mackenzie and Haka Passes as closed, and at 19:00 had only added Rollesby Valley Road to that list.
It should be noted though, that if State Highway is closed during anytime it means that crews cannot inspect or close local roads beyond the closure points and is assumed that these roads cannot be accessed.
State Highway closure from Tekapo to Twizel (which Godley Peaks is off) was in place until 9:32 on 8th of July it was then closed again at 12:19 re-opening at 14:58.
Road closing again at 23:12 on the 8th re opening on the 9th at 10:52. During all these times there were warnings over the state highway
During these times it is assumed that there is no access to Godley Peaks Road.
Facebook has it opened at 3.55pm on the 9th, with "drive to the conditions" warnings in place.