15 October 2026, 9.20pm – Restrictions on SH73 for snow

State Highway 73 between Otira and Springfield is closed tonight to towing vehicles and chains are essential because of snow.

The snowfall comes as a cold front moves up the South Island, and follows surface flooding on state highways on the West Coast and in Otago.

MetService has road snowfall warnings for both State Highway 73 and 7 that last until tomorrow.

An update from NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi on the SH73 restrictions is expected tomorrow morning. Keep up with the latest highway conditions at NZTA’s Journey Planner site.

15 October 2026 – Flooding on southern highways as weather system arrives

Surface flooding is being reported on state highways across the lower and central South Island as a forecast weather system moves up the island.

Flooding was reported on highways in Westport and Greymouth on the West Coast last night, and today NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has been alerted to flooding in Otago, on State Highway 87 in Mosgiel, and on State Highway 83 between Oamaru and Kurow, that has required assessment by roading crews. Caution has been urged but no closures or other restrictions have been required so far.   

MetService still has a heavy rain watch in place for North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha until 4pm today. Road users are urged to avoid travelling through floodwaters, especially where the depth is uncertain and there may be obstructions that aren’t visible.

Snow expected from tonight could impact especially on Canterbury’s inland state highways, with up to 10cm possible at Porters Pass on SH73.

Keep up with the latest highway conditions at NZTA’s Journey Planner site.

13 October 2026 – Hoping for a whole week of warm spring weather? Snow chance!

Don’t be fooled by the balmy spring temperatures in parts of the South Island, the snow and rain are set to return and potentially impact travel from later this week.

With temperatures pushing into the mid-twenties degrees Celsius for the likes of Christchurch, Blenheim and Timaru today, MetService is warning of a looming cold front interrupting the pleasant conditions and heavy rain arriving as early as tonight.  

MetService has an orange heavy rain warning in place from midnight tonight for the Buller District, with up 110mm of rain expected mainly about the ranges through to 9pm tomorrow (an orange warning means that surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible).

Lesser heavy rain watches are in place for the Ranges of Westland and Grey Districts north of Aoraki-Mount Cook, the Canterbury high country within 15 kilometres of the Main Divide from 6pm tonight, and for North Otago, Dunedin and Clutha from 6pm tomorrow.

Private forecasting supplied to NZ Transport Agency (NZTA) suggests that snow may arrive from Thursday, with potential for up to 5cm for higher parts of Porter Pass on State Highway 73 between Christchurch and the West Coast. Up to 4cm could fall on SH73 in the Arthur’s Pass area, and on State Highway 7 east of Lewis pass, on Friday.

Lesser amounts of snow are forecast Thursday/Friday on State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mount Cook Village and Tekapo areas of the Mackenzie Basin.

NZTA’s contractors will be monitoring the state highways for weather-related impacts and may introduce closures or restrictions where necessary to keep people safe. Road users are urged to plan ahead by checking the weather and roading conditions.

People are encouraged to carry warm clothing, food and water with them in case of travel delays or detours. In heavy rain or snow where traction is affected, motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, avoid sudden braking or turning movements, and to stay as visible as possible.