Source: New Zealand Transport Agency
NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) crews have been busy this morning, getting stuck trucks off Burkes Pass between Fairlie and Tekapo, clearing snow and gritting highways from daybreak over Southland, Otago and Canterbury.
The Lindis Pass, linking Canterbury and Otago, opened around 9 am.
In Southland, SH93 between Mataura and Clinton is now open but snow continues to fall so caution is needed by all drivers.
- Winter conditions persist on SH6 at Jollies Hill, SH94 Gorge Hill and SH96 between Wreys Bush and Ohai, so continue to drive with caution – though conditions are improving.
- SH94 Te Anau to Milford Sound Piopiotahi is closed currently due to heavy snow but expected to open at 10 am – check the traffic pages.
- Local/ council managed roads are all open but snow is falling in Te Anau and starting to settle in the town.
- Blackmount Hill is passable but snow is still coming in.
SH96, Nightcaps earlier today, Southland.
In Otago, people driving inland between Palmerston and Kyeburn (SH85) and Mosgiel to Kyeburn (SH87) need to take care with snow and ice present.
In Canterbury and Otago, the Lindis Pass between Omarama and Tarras linking the two regions, opened as of 9 am, with winter driving conditions.
In South Canterbury, Burkes Pass, SH8, between Fairlie and Tekapo was closed after 8 am with a number of trucks stuck on that route and snow and ice conditions. Check the traffic map for updates as crews are doing their best to get this route re-opened. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/canterbury/closures/481173
In Canterbury, a key route to the West Coast, SH73 Porters Pass is now open with no restrictions. Winter driving conditions prevail. (There are delays up to an hour between Otira and Arthur’s Pass currently on this route, 9 am to 5 pm weekdays, due to rockfall remediation, the Lewis Pass, SH7 is the alternative slightly longer route)
NZTA advises everyone to check the Traffic and Travel Map or Journey Planner pages before heading out today as the polar blast heads up towards the North Island Te Ika-a-Māui.
