Kaikōura coast stretch of SH1 finally reopens

State Highway 1 north of Kaikōura has reopened for the first time since last year's earthquake, with a long line of traffic now driving along the coast.

NZTA said "extensive queues" had formed ahead of the opening at 1.30pm today, and road users should expect delays until these queues have cleared.

The Transport Agency said the whole trip between Christchurch and Picton would take about 5.5 hours.

One of the first motorists on the newly reopened road said he was surprised the road had been repaired so quickly.

Gerald Breeze travelled to Kaikoura especially for the opening and was one of the first motorists on the road.

Mr Breeze said it was miraculous how fast the road had been repaired, and he was looking forward to see how the coast line had changed since the earthquake.

The South Island's main transport corridor connecting Picton and Christchurch was devastated in the 7.8 earthquake last November.

Sixty-nine bridges were damaged and parts of the rail line destroyed.

North of Kaikōura, 10 major slips brought down almost 1,000,000 cubic meters of rock onto the highway below.

Transport Agency spokesperson Tim Crow said it had been a "long, tough" year for the communities along the route.

"They have been very supportive and welcomed our workers in to fix the transport corridor, while dealing with uncertainties about their own homes, jobs and access to family and friends. We're delighted they can use the road in time for the holiday season."

He said heavy traffic was expected on the route and drivers should allow plenty of time to get to their destination safely in case of unexpected delays.

"We need to keep traffic moving safely, and allow people to reach Kaikoura and other destinations as easily as possible, so if you're planning a sightseeing tour to view the road re-build, please consider waiting a few weeks."

About 100 people attended a dawn service just north of the town today.