Dozens of Canterbury kids spent a night hunkering down in Banks Peninsula - which was cut off by yesterday's torrential rain

300 millimetres fell on the Peninsula in 35 hours and a local State of Emergency is still in force.

Sixty students, parents, and teachers from Kirkwood Intermediate have stayed an extra night at Akaroa's Onuku Marae.

Principal, Phil Tappenden says they've really appreciated the huge aroha shown by the marae - and look forward to the students returning when it's safe.

There are reports 40 children from Leithfield Primary School are also stuck at Wainui Park camp.

Christchurch Mayor Phil Mauger says he hopes State Highway 75 will reopen this morning.