A falling boulder has killed a man in a car near Murchison, closing State Highway 6 tonight and all day tomorrow.
Police are investigating the accident, which happened at O'Sullivan's Bridge just before 2pm.
Police said a 59-year-old Canterbury man died after the incident.
NZTA system manager Andrew James said there was no simple detour in the area - a main route between Nelson and Christchurch, so drivers may need to delay their journeys.
Travellers between Nelson and Christchurch are advised to take State Highway 1 through Kaikoura.
The detour for drivers between Nelson and the West Coast is through the Lewis Pass.