Inland Kaikōura Road
| Route information | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maintained by Kaikōura District Council Hurunui District Council | ||||
| Length | 96.7 km (60.1 mi) | |||
| Tourist routes | Alpine Pacific Triangle | |||
| Major junctions | ||||
| South end | SH 7 north of Culverden | |||
| North end | SH 1 south of Kaikōura | |||
| Location | ||||
| Country | New Zealand | |||
| Primary destinations | Mt Lyford, Waiau, Rotherham | |||
| Highway system | ||||
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The Inland Kaikōura Road, formally designated Route 70, is a local highway in the South Island of New Zealand that runs from just south of Kaikōura to just north of Culverden via Waiau, Rotherham and Mount Lyford Village. It follows the same route as the former State Highway 70. White shields marked with "70" are used to signify this highway. It forms part of the Alpine Pacific Triangle touring route, and also serves as an alternative inland route for State Highway 1 in the event of a closure. Following the 14 November 2016 Kaikōura earthquake, all roads into Kaikōura were closed including the Inland Kaikōura Road. After extensive regrading and clearance, the Inland Road was the first road connection to Kaikōura to reopen and served as a lifeline for the community in the wake of the earthquake.
Because of its scenic qualities it is now noted as one of the must-drive roads in New Zealand. The road is two lanes for its majority, however in parts it is narrow and winds through steep hill country with several river valleys, including one-lane bridges.