Roads are being reopened in many parts of the weather-battered South Island

Waka Kotahi contractors began work at daybreak clearing debris, assessing damage and re-opening roads where they can.

Roads that have reopened include SH1 between Picton and Blenheim, and SH7 both from Reefton to Springs Junction and from from the Hanmer Turnoff to Springs Junction, the Lewis Pass.

SH6 between Blenheim and Nelson expected to re-open from Renwick to Rai Valley, and SH6 between Murchison and Kawatiri/SH65 Shenandoah should reopen in the next few hours..

The only South Island roads that are expected to remain closed overnight are SH6 through the Lower and Upper Buller Gorge, and SH63 from Renwick to Tophouse Road.