Snow forecast for Desert Road tomorrow, motorists take care

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency is encouraging motorists to expect winter driving conditions on the Desert Road tomorrow.

Waikato System Manager Cara Lauder says the Metservice is forecasting significant amounts of snow for the Desert Road between 2pm and 10pm tomorrow (Wednesday 8 July) and with additional traffic on the roads due to the school holidays and the opening of the Whakapapa ski field (the Tūroa ski field is scheduled to open Saturday 11 July) on Mt Ruapehu, motorists are asked to take care.

“We encourage drivers to be prepared for icy conditions and snow. Road closures are likely.

“Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys and drive to the road and weather conditions. Maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front, and slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards.”

State Highways 4, 46, 47 and 49, as well as State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō, and the Napier-Taihape Road may also be affected by snow and ice.

Ms Lauder says motorists can prepare by ensuring their vehicles are safe, roadworthy and well-equipped for winter driving.

“Make sure you have a safe spare tyre, your lights, brakes and windscreen-wipers are all working, and you have a clean windscreen inside and out. Ensure your mobile phone is well charged and carry a car phone charger or power bank. Blankets, snacks and bottles of water are also a good idea, in case of an emergency or breakdown.”

Visit the Journey Planner website(external link) for up to date information on road closures, detours, road works, traffic and delays.

Winter driving tips

• Check journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link) for weather and travel conditions on highways before you start your trip and on breaks throughout your journey or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
• Ensure your car is safe and well-equipped: spare tyre, warrant of fitness is up-to-date, lights, brakes and wind-wipers all working, clean windscreen inside and out, check tyre treads to ensure good grip.
• If you are travelling long distances, share the driving and have regular breaks.
• Wear your seat belt throughout the journey and check your passengers have theirs clicked in too.
• Driving on roads that are exposed to snow and ice can be treacherous, so slow down and drive to the conditions, not the allowable/legal speed limit. Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Be prepared when travelling in case of delays on the road, particularly in alpine conditions. Make sure you have warm clothes/food/water/charged mobile phone. In an emergency, phone 111. Bear in mind some parts of the highway have no mobile phone coverage.
• Learn about winter driving, including how to get your vehicle ready and if you are driving in an area where chains may be needed, practise putting them on before you go so you are not caught out.

More winter driving tips and advice

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic(external link)
• Facebook: facebook.com/nztacni(external link)
• Twitter: twitter.com/WakaKotahicni(external link)
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz(external link)
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)