Since sending out the morning update, conditions have improved across Te Wai Pounamu, Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency advises.
There are still areas with heavy snow loads on tree branches (e.g through the Lewis Pass SH7) where the journey may be slower and down to single lane in places. Windchill is still a major factor also.
All the South Island highways were reopened by mid-afternoon, barring a couple – SH94 into Milford Sound Piopiotahi where planned avalanches have gone off today to release loads of snow above the road safely while the highway is closed, and SH93 Clinton to Mataura, inland from Balclutha.
SH94 into Milford Sound (Piopiotahi) planned avalanche information(external link)
More road closure information(external link)
The forecast for tomorrow could potentially also include more snow and ice, so our advice remains the same – for people to check the highways before setting off, travel prepared for possible delays in cold conditions and carry chains if the highways you are heading towards may require them.
Overall traffic updates for all of New Zealand(external link)
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