1pm, 25 July 2026 – Road warnings as cold weather lingers

State highways remain open as a polar blast moves up the South Island, but warnings are in place for travel on several highways.

After heavy rain brought flooding on the West Coast yesterday, snow and rain is affecting other areas today. State Highway 94/Milford Road reopened this morning after an overnight closure because of the snow risk. Care is being urged on this highway as more snow is possible today and heavy machinery will be operating on the road. .

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has the following further area warnings in place, where road users are urged to take extra care:

• State Highway 8, Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass), due to snow and ice/winter driving conditions.
• State Highway 87, Kyeburn to Outram, due to winter driving conditions.
• State Highway 85, Kyeburn to Palmerston, due to winter driving conditions.
• State Highway 1, Palmerston to Dunedin, due to winter driving conditions.
• State Highway 80, Aoraki-Mount Cook to Glentanner, due to ice and grit.
• State Highway 73, Otira to Yaldhurst, due to ice and grit

MetService has lifted most of its South Island weather warnings, with the remaining snowfall warning for Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) due to expire later this afternoon.

Road users are encouraged to check the latest weather reports, and the status of the state highways at NZTA’s Journey Planner site, before setting out for their travel. Once the rain and snow pass, freezing temperatures and icy roads are expected over the next few days for parts of the central and lower South Island.

9am, 24 July 2026 – West Coast highway reopens after flooding

State Highway 7 from Greymouth to Stillwater on the West Coast has reopened after a closure due to flooding from the early hours of this morning.

People are asked to continue to travel with extra care in the area as hazards may remain.

8am, 24 July 2026 – Flooding closes West Coast highway

State Highway 7 from Greymouth to Stillwater on the West Coast remains closed this morning because of flooding, with more information expected by 9am.
Road users are asked to avoid the area or delay their journeys if possible.
A detour is available via Taylorville Road and State Highway 6. People should be aware there are several slips on the detour route, and it is not suitable for heavy traffic.

The closure and slips come as heavy rain had been predicted for the West Coast, ahead of potential snow and ice affecting lower and central South Island roads over the next few days.   

23 July 2026 – Polar blast may mean more roading disruption

A combination of rain, snow and ice over the coming days may mean more disruption looming for South Island road users, especially on inland state highways.

From 6pm tonight, MetService has a heavy rain watch in place for the ranges of Westland, but this rain – and more tomorrow spreading into the central South Island – is likely only the entrée in several courses of challenging weather in the central and lower South Island.

Snow is expected to start falling tomorrow in Otago and Southland, potentially to low levels in places. Up to 15cm of snow may fall on State Highway 94/Milford Road above 800m from tomorrow morning (Friday), according to MetService.

Forecasts supplied to New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) suggest snow is expected to fall on Saturday on State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mackenzie Basin, and further north in alpine areas on State Highways 7 and 73. Accumulations could reach 5+cm for high parts of Porters Pass. MetService says Aoraki-Mount Cook is forecast to reach a low of -11°C on Saturday, while daytime highs are expected to remain between 5°C and 7°C in Twizel, Alexandra, Wānaka, Queenstown and Gore over the weekend.

As the snow gives way to severe frosts from Sunday (26 July), ice is expected to pose a serious risk to road users in many areas, especially inland and in sheltered areas. State Highways 1, 7, 73, 75 and 77 are likely to be affected through to the start of next week, while State Highways 8 and 80 are also likely to have icy road surfaces, in addition to freezing fog in patches for the Mackenzie Basin.

Road users are encouraged to check the latest weather reports, and the status of the state highways at our Journey Planner site, before setting out for their travel.

With potential for snow closures and delays, people are advised to carry warm clothes, water and food in case they get stuck or need to stop and wait for the weather to pass. Ensuring sufficient battery range or petrol in the tank is also advised in case there are detours and diversions required.

NZTA contractors will be out laying grit or anti-icing agents to help keep people safe on icy highways. Drivers are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, and avoid sudden braking or turning movements on icy roads. Ice is more likely to form in places such as bridges and shaded areas, and black ice (a transparent layer of ice that freezes over the road) can be harder to spot.

Staying as visible as possible, with headlights on in foggy conditions, also helps to keep people safe.