Residents of the quake-hit Mt Lyford area can freely get back to their homes via the Inland Kaikōura Rd, Civil Defence has announced.
The north Canterbury town has been cut off since November 14's magnitude-7.8 earthquake which devastated the area around Kaikōura.
Residents were allowed to drive in and out on Monday, but only in a convoy under strict conditions. They were told at a Waiau community meeting on Wednesday night they can now drive in unescorted.
"The wait for uncontrolled access for residents has been frustrating for everyone, but safety has been paramount in all our decision making," Civil Defence group manager Neville Reilly says.
But people going back to their homes must take great care in light of the high risk of landslips and hazardous road conditions on the route, Mr Reilly says.
Civil Defence is asking all drivers on the road to go northbound in the morning and southbound in the afternoon, to help road works continue.
"We want to thank the Hurunui community for their patience and understanding as we have worked together with their mayor and district council through the unprecedented complexities of managing this situation.
"This is a major milestone on the road to recovery for this community," Mr Reilly said. "Making this road safe for residents to access their properties has been a major focus."
Inland Kaikōura Rd is the Emergency Access Route. Only Mt Lyford residents, military supply convoys, and escorted trips for deliveries of essential supplies are allowed access, while geotechnical engineers continue to assess the road.
The access could change if there are more aftershocks or severe weather, Civil Defence says.
The road has been divided into two areas based on risk:
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