Snow and ice highway update - 12.30pm update

A heavy snow warning(external link) is in place for parts of Southland, Otago and South Canterbury with contracting teams  busy on many local roads and state highways today on snow ploughs and gritting trucks.

• State Highway 6, the Haast Pass, Makarora to Hawea, has just reopened.

NZ Transport Agency Journey Manager Lee Wright says drivers should not get complacent with conditions improving in some places currently as more snow is forecast in places like the Lindis Pass, Lewis Pass and SH73/ Porters Pass. “Please check the MetService for updates.

“Those travelling through alpine passes or travelling in the south of the South Island and inland areas should carry chains regardless and know how to put them on. Chains are for the driver’s and road users’ safety so please ensure you have them and know how to put them on. Allow extra time.”

State Highway 73 earlier today, near Castle Hill (first two shots) and Porters Pass

Highways closed due to snow:

• SH94 Milford to Te Anau highway is closed due to snow.

NB: Due to a crash yesterday, SH63 will be closed at Wairau Valley from 11am – use SH6 instead and check map(external link) for closure status.

It is snowing in these places and caution is needed:

• Caution is needed on the Haast, Lindis, Arthurs and Lewis Passes.
• Dunedin to Waitati, SH1 – see MetService Leith Saddle traffic camera here.(external link)
• SH73 Arthurs Pass to Otira/ Porters Pass and Springfield to Arthurs Pass and SH7, Lewis Pass, are open with care needed.
• SH8 Fairlie to Twizel, take care.
• SH80 the highway to Aoraki/ Mt Cook – take care. 

Snow and ice, take care:

There is snow and ice between Kawarau Falls, near Queenstown, Otago, and Lumsden in Southland – SH6. Queenstown Lakes District road conditions here(external link).

Snow ploughing SH80 near airport, Aoraki/ Mt Cook earlier today.

Rockfall following slip at weekend

Drivers need to take care on SH6 Makarora to Hawea alongside Lake Wanaka where a slip occurred on Sunday. There may be delays and drivers are encouraged to travel in daylight hours for safety. 

See the NZ Transport Agency's travel and traffic page here.(external link) 

MetService snow warnings here.(external link) 

Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49