All snow-hit highways open, but care urged
All snow-hit state highways have now reopened in the South Island but motorists should still plan ahead and check the roads before travel, the NZ Transport Agency advises.
Check state highways here
State Highway 8 between Twizel and Fairlie, and SH80 between Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook in the Mackenzie Country were closed at 6pm yesterday as a safety measure for motorists and crews working on the roads.
More snow flurries had been forecast and this, combined with snow melt and freezing temperatures, made for extremely icy conditions, the New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi said on Saturday.
The Hermitage Hotel in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park looked like a winter wonderland, blanketed in snow.
The closures were lifted 10am today, but motorists were still advised to take care when travelling. Roading crews had been busy gritting and treating areas of ice on the roads.
MetService said snow flurries were possible for the Lewis Pass this afternoon and more snow was expected for Porters Pass (SH73) from 3am until about 10am on Monday. Up to 4cm may accumulate above 800 metres, with lesser amounts down to 500 metres.
There was plenty of snow still on the ground in Naseby in the Maniototo area of Central Otago. One resident said about 15cm had fallen by Saturday night.
Other South Island highways that had been closed by snow yesterday morning were now open, but motorists were encouraged to plan ahead and check the roads before travel, the spokesman said.
"Snow and ice can make travel more hazardous, and motorists should be mindful of speed, travelling distances and visibility." Chains needed on Crown Range Road
The Crown Range Road linking Queenstown and Wānaka is open following heavy snow overnight on Friday, but chains still need to be carried.
MetService said snow showers were expected from 8pm today until 2am on Monday, and up to 1cm may accumulate about the summit.
🥶Winter is certainly here! It's a very cold and frosty start of the day, with Wanaka at -4℃ and Taumarunui at -3℃this morning. Here are the 7am temperatures. Please note that a temperature below 3℃means frost and a temperature below -2℃ means severe frost, so watch out for… pic.twitter.com/m80JYXQI1b — MetService (@MetService) June 7, 2025
A spokesman for the Queenstown Lakes District Council said there were sub-zero temperatures across the district this morning and crews had applied anti-icing agent CMA has been applied to certain areas including to parts of SH6 from Frankton to Kingston and Arrow Junction, and Shotover bridge.
"The roads are mostly dry across the district, however this can change around sunrise. The temperature lowers a few more degrees and could present issues for shady spots and bridge decks in particular."
In Southland, another fine but frosty day was forecast for the Milford Road (SH94) area and there was ice and grit around bridges, the Milford Road Alliance advised. "Please drive with care."
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South Island State Highways Reopen
Two sections of State Highway in the South Island's Mackenzie Country that were closed overnight because of snow and ice have now reopened. State Highway 8 between Twizel and Fairlie, and State Highway 80 between Lake Pukaki and Aoraki/Mount Cook, were closed at 6pm yesterday as a safety measure for motorists and crews working on the roads. Those closures were lifted this morning as of about 10am, but motorists are still advised to take care when travelling. Roading crews have been busy gritting and treating areas of ice on the roads. Other South Island highways that were closed by snow yesterday morning remain open, but people should again exercise caution and plan ahead by using NZTA's Journey Planner. Snow and ice can make travel more hazardous, and motorists should be mindful of speed, travelling distances and visibility. More useful winter driving information can be found here. Plan for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:
