Avoid travel today around the lower half of the South Island if possible, the NZTA warns.

Given the volume of snow in Otago, people should postpone travel or expect delays, as New Zealand Transport Authority/Waka Kotahi roading crews work to clear the highways, a statement says.

“We appreciate your patience and encourage you to drive to the conditions, given this polar blast.”

They also encourage people to reconsider weekend travel, given further areas and highways maybe affected over the next few days as the system moves up and across the country.

SH80 to Mt Cook/Aoraki closed

Snow has closed SH80, the only access into Mt Cook/Aoraki this morning.

The next update will be around 5pm or earlier if snow stops. 

People should be ready to stay where they are today in the meantime in this part of South Canterbury, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

Open but snow and ice warnings remain:

In Otago, SH85 Palmerston to Kyeburn to Omakau has reopened after snow closed the route early today. 

Drivers need to take care on the icy roads.

SH87 Mosgiel to Middlemarch and Kyeburn is open but drivers need to drive to the snowy and icy conditions.

Arthur’s Pass, Porters Pass, SH73, also Lindis and Burkes Passes, SH8

Snow is forecast for the Arthur’s Pass route this afternoon so drivers need to check before heading out and be prepared with chains and warm clothes. 

(There are currently delays between Otira and Arthur’s Pass as rockfall prevention work continues, with delays up to an hour between 9 am and 5 pm today).

South Canterbury passes are also likely to be affected by snow, so drivers need to be prepared, avoid travel if possible or take SH1 the coastal route alternative if in doubt.

Elsewhere in the South Island/Te Wai Pounamu:

The Haast Pass route, SH6, linking the West Coast to Otago between Haast township and Makarora, remains closed due to heavy snow (see photo below).

SH94 the Milford Sound Piopiotahi highway is closed while crews pre-emptively set off avalanches near the Homer Tunnel and then clear snow to make the route safe when it reopens. 

It could be re-open around midday so check the traffic page.

Check the NZTA traffic map for latest updates