Journey between Christchurch and Picton will take longer, as a result of further roadworks to stabilise rock faces

The Transport Agency has extended traffic halts by two weeks on State Highway One south of Kaikoura, to prepare a corner between Peketa and the Parititahi Tunnels for a rockfall canopy.

Geologists identified more rock anchoring is needed to stabilise the fractured rockface, before the canopy can be put up to redirect falling rocks to a safe zone away from the road.

About 35 minute delays are expected to continue from Monday to Friday between 9am to 5pm, until mid-August.

This will be followed by might closures until November.