Slip hits SH1 near Kaikoura

State Highway One has been partially blocked by a slip south of Kaikoura following heavy overnight rain in the area.

Kaikoura police acting sergeant Dean Schroder said the landlslip had initially blocked both lanes of the main road north but one had now been reopened.

A motorist at the scene reports traffic is banked up in both directions and there are long delays.

Schroder said the slip was probably due to heavy overnight rain "rather than any earthquake-related activity''.

Many Christchurch motorists are expected to head north today to escape continual aftershocks from Saturday's big earthquake.

Police are warning of delays on the roads and asking drivers to take extra care in the wet weather.

- © Fairfax NZ News