In an Accident in Christchurch? Here Is Exactly What to Do Next

After an Accident in Christchurch — The First Minutes

Being involved in a road accident in Christchurch is stressful. Canterbury’s road network — from the city grid to Arthur's Pass, the Southern Motorway, and Banks Peninsula — creates varied accident scenarios. This guide covers exactly what to do in the critical minutes after any Canterbury accident.

Step 1: Check for Injuries

Check yourself and all occupants for injuries. Call 111 immediately if anyone is injured. Christchurch Hospital's Emergency Department is the city's main trauma centre.

Step 2: Make the Scene Safe

• Hazard lights on immediately
• Move vehicles to the left if safely possible
• On SH1 Southern Motorway: Call 111 — NZTA and Police manage motorway incidents
• On Arthur's Pass SH73: Both parties move to the uphill side behind any barrier. See our Arthur's Pass guide.
• In the Lyttelton Tunnel: Stay in vehicles, hazards on, call 111 immediately

Step 3: Legal Requirements

NZ law requires: stop immediately, exchange details with all parties (name, address, registration, insurance), call Police if injuries or if a driver leaves the scene. On Canterbury motorways and at Arthur's Pass, always call 111.

Step 4: Document the Scene

Photograph: all vehicle damage, road surface, vehicle positions before moving, relevant signs and markings, other vehicle's registration. On Canterbury's often dusty plains roads, also document road conditions — relevant to insurance.

Step 5: Call Towing Christchurch

Call 03 244 0065. We provide 24/7 accident recovery across all Canterbury roads including Arthur's Pass, the Lyttelton Tunnel, Banks Peninsula, and the Southern Motorway. Tell us if the vehicle is in a tunnel or on an alpine road — we dispatch appropriate equipment.