Storm continues: One alpine pass open between Canterbury and West Coast

Drivers on South Island roads tonight and tomorrow morning are advised to take care as the southerly storm is still affecting road conditions and reducing choices on the key routes between Canterbury and the West Coast, says the NZ Transport Agency.

“Conditions continue to change quite quickly,” says the Transport Agency’s Southern Region Journey Manager Tresca Forrester. “Please check the map(external link) for updates on closures. It may be icy in many places in the morning, particularly shaded areas and bridges.” 

• The Lewis Pass, SH7, reopened briefly this afternoon after 3 pm but was closed again by 3.45 pm.  It will be reassessed at 8am on Friday. 

• SH73 Arthur’s Pass/ Porters Pass/ Otira is open but chains are essential for both Porters and Arthur’s Passes and no towing vehicles will be allowed. 

Coastal swells Kaikoura tonight

Drivers along SH1 this evening, the Kaikoura Coast, should be aware the high tide is approaching around 10 pm. Contractors are keeping a close eye on the conditions for everyone’s safety. 

Banks Peninsula, road between Christchurch and Akaroa

SH75 has had a lot of snow and sleet and will be patrolled tonight by roading contractors. Trees falling in some places temporarily closed access to some bays today. 

Strong wind warnings: high-sided vehicle drivers and motorcyclists need to take special care and slow down on these highways 

• SH1 Oamaru to Gore
• SH1 Timaru to Glenavy
• SH80 - Twizel to Mt Cook (Mt Cook Highway)
• SH8 Timaru to Omarama
• SH8 Cromwell to Omarama (Lindis Pass)
• SH8 Alexandra to Roxburgh
• SH87 Kyeburn to Outram 

Queenstown Lakes

Queenstown Lakes District road conditions here.(external link)

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

MetService snow warnings here.(external link) 

MetService severe weather warnings here(external link). 

Canterbury West Coast Transport Agency Twitter updates https://twitter.com/NZTACWC(external link) 

Otago Southland Transport Agency Twitter updates https://twitter.com/NZTAOS(external link) 

Transport Agency Facebook South Island https://www.facebook.com/nztasouthisland/?fref=ts(external link) 

Call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS 0800 44 44 49