The highway lost its state highway status because of the lack of traffic using it . In 1991 the section from Waiau to Kaikoura was revoked . Before revocation approximately of highway was unsealed ; however this was later sealed by the two district councils which maintained it . The remainder of SH 70 was revoked in 2004 . Because of its scenic qualities it is now noted as one of the must drive roads in New Zealand . The road in parts is narrow , unsealed and winds through steep hill country . The road was closed following the 2016 Kaikoura earthquake and was for a few days open to the military only ; the first army convoy reached Kaikoura on Friday , 18 November 2016 , and this was the only land route into Kaikoura since SH 1 was cut off by the earthquake . Some time later , registered convoys were allowed . Unrestricted access was restored on 19 December 2016 , giving the public road access to Kaikoura again
2016 Kaikoura earthquake
2016 Kaikoura earthquake
Inland Kaikoura Road