'Major' slip closes scenic Southland highway

Slip near the Otago-Southland boundary in the Catlins. Photo / Supplied via ODT

A slip near the Otago-Southland boundary in the Catlins has closed the Southern Scenic Route between Papatowai and the Niagara-Tokanui Highway.

After the Southland District Council identified a minor slip Monday night about 3km from the Niagara-Tokanui Highway, the council's staff and contractors were on site when two slips, including a ''major'' slip at 3pm, forced the closure, the council's communications and governance manager, Louise Pagan, said.

She said she could not offer a timeframe for the road's reopening. The detour along the Tahakopa Valley Rd adds about 13km to the route.

In the Clutha District Council's Catlins area the wet start to winter has already resulted in several road closures.

Cairn Rd, in the Owaka area, was closed on Friday due to a slip.

Mouats Saddle Rd, near Papatowai, remained closed yesterday after a slip last week.

Cannibal Bay Rd remains closed from Ahuriri Flat to the beach.