8:10pm update - SH8 reopens after snow closure

State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki has reopened following an earlier closure due to snow. Waiting vehicles are being piloted through the reopened section by maintenance vehicles.   

Road users are urged to take extra care whilst travelling through this stretch of highway.

Motorists are also urged to take extra care on State Highway 79 between Fairlie and the Gudex Road intersection.

State Highway 73 between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass is closed to heavy vehicles and chains are essential.

3:30pm - SH8 closure due to snow

State Highway 8 is now closed between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki, due to snow. Road users are advised to avoid the area or delay their journey.

A further update will be provided as the situation changes.

2:44pm - Snowfall prompts highway warnings

With snow falling in parts of the South Island, motorists are being urged to plan ahead and take extra care when travelling on inland state highways.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) has area warnings in place in Canterbury and Otago, due to snow, on:

• State Highway 8, Omarama to Fairlie
• State Highway 8, Tarras to Omarama (Lindis Pass)
• State Highway 6, Kingston to Lumsden
• State Highway 85, Ranfurly to Becks

NZTA has crews out responding to the weather conditions to keep the highways clear and operating.

MetService has road snowfall warnings in place for South Island alpine passes.

Motorists should drive to the winter conditions – including being visible, reducing speed, adjusting the travelling distance behind other motorists and avoiding sudden braking or turning movements.

Snow, sleet, or frosts are expected in some places over the next few days.

Keep an eye on weather forecasts and plan ahead by visiting our Journey Planner site.

Helpful tips about winter driving(external link)