Traffic was detoured via SH4 and SH49. Southbound traffic heading towards Wellington had to use SH49 from Waiouru to Tangiwai and Tohunga Junction, then SH4 and SH3. Reverse for northbound travellers.

Gathered from the cold blue waters of awa up and down the west coast of the South Island, pounamu begins as a raw, hidden piece of stone. Once carved and cut into an intricate design, it can take on a ...