The Crown Range Road, between Queenstown and Cardrona, is expected to reopen this afternoon after a "significant slip" blocked one lane of the alpine road yesterday.
While council contractor Downer worked to clear the material and stabilise the site, the road was closed to all traffic from the turn-off to the Crown Range at State Highway 6, near Arrowtown, and at Cardrona.
It was estimated 300cum of material came down on Chain Bay 5, about 2.5km on the Queenstown side of the summit about 10.30am yesterday.
A Queenstown Lakes District Council spokesman understood the rock face was saturated after heavy rain in the district.
The road between Wanaka and Cardrona township, including the turnoffs to Cardrona Alpine Resort and Snow Farm, is unaffected.
Until the road reopened, motorists were advised to use State Highway 6 past Cromwell and Luggate to travel between Queenstown and Wanaka.
A further update is expected today.