State Highway 7 from Hanmer Springs turnoff to Springs Junction (including Lewis Pass) has reopened after a closure because of heavy snow earlier today.  

This means all of the South Island’s state highways are open again, including snow chains and towing restrictions lifted on State Highway 73, after a cold snap passed through from early this morning.

Several vehicles became trapped in the snow near Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie Basin this morning a truck and trailer unit initially got stuck on State Highway 8, near the intersection with Hayman Road, and the other vehicles got stuck behind the truck. All of the vehicles were able to continue after roading crews had arrived to plough snow off the road.

Surface flooding remains in parts of Christchurch, but it is expected to recede now that today’s heavy rain has passed.

MetService has now lifted all of its weather warnings for the South Island. But with snow and flooding left in some places, and cold conditions persisting, road users are being warned to watch out for frosty conditions on inland roads and in sheltered places tonight and into tomorrow.

2pm, 27 September 2026 – Alongside snow, flooding also causing disruption 

While snow is affecting inland state highways in the South Island, the current weather system is also unleashing flooding in some places.

Heavy rain and even a few flakes of snow in Christchurch today have resulted in surface flooding in some places, including the State Highway 73/Yaldhurst Road intersection with Curletts Road (see image below), where vehicles are having to navigate around a flooded area in the westbound lanes. Roading crews are due to travel to the site to inspect it and install temporary signage where needed.   

Crews have also been attending to flooding reported on State Highway 6 near Gibbston in Central Otago.

Road users are asked to slow down and travel with care in and around flooded areas. 

1pm, 27 September 2026 – SH7 closure as snow impacts continue

State Highway 7 between the turnoff to Hanmer Springs and Springs Junction, including Lewis Pass, is now closed because of heavy snow.

No detour is available, and people are asked to avoid the area or delay their journeys if possible.

On State Highway 73, the sections from Otira to Arthur’s Pass, and Springfield to Castle Hill, are closed to towing vehicles and snow chains are required.

Various other area warnings remain in place, and caution is advised for those travelling throughout the central South Island.

11am, 27 September 2026 – Restrictions, vehicles stuck amid widespread snowfalls

Heavy snowfalls this morning in parts of the central South Island are already impacting on motorists.

In the Mackenzie Basin, significant snow on the ground has led to several vehicles becoming stuck on State Highway 8 near Lake Pukaki, and roading crews are assisting by ploughing snow so they can get out.

On State Highway 73 between Christchurch and the West Coast, the section of road between Springfield and Castle Hill (including Porters Pass) is closed to towing vehicles and snow chains are essential because of the snow that has fallen.

In Otago, NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has area warnings in place because of snow on State Highway 8 between Omarama and Tarras (including Lindis Pass), State Highway 85 between Omakau and Kyeburn, and the Crown Range Road. Extra care is needed when driving these routes.

Further updates will be issued as needed, but people are urged to check the latest weather and roading conditions when travelling, especially inland.    

3:30pm, 26 September 2026 – Highway closures likely if heavy snow eventuates tomorrow 

Motorists travelling in the central South Island tomorrow are being urged to prepare for road closures and weather-related delays as heavy snow is forecast.

In addition to multiple road snow warnings in place for the island’s alpine passes, MetService has an orange heavy snow warning from 6am tomorrow for the Canterbury High Country and Plains near the foothills, south of Arthur’s Pass, with up to 15cm of snow expected to settle above 400 metres elevation. An orange warning indicates that travel disruption and damage to trees and powerlines is possible.

A lesser MetService heavy snow watch is in place from 1am tomorrow for Central Otago and the Queenstown Lakes District. Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) may get up to 8cm of snow, Haast Pass (State Highway 6) up to 6cm, Porters Pass (State Highway 73) up to 15cm, and Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) up to 6cm.

Private forecasting supplied to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) suggests up to 10cm of snow could fall tomorrow on State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mackenzie Basin.

State Highway 94 to Milford Sound, between Lower Hollyford Road and the Donne River, is already due to close at 4.30pm today in anticipation of overnight snow.

Snowfalls accumulations at the upper end of the range forecast will mean that further closures or restrictions for inland state highways and alpine passes become likely tomorrow. NZTA and its contractors will be monitoring the highways and will be ready to clear snow from the roads, and to close or restrict travel where necessary to keep people safe and avoid vehicles getting stuck.

With many families expected to be travelling this weekend for the start of the school holidays, NZTA is strongly encouraging people to keep a close eye on the latest weather forecasts and the status of the state highways at NZTA’s Journey Planner site.

Carrying warm clothing, food and water is advised on inland journeys in case of lengthy travel delays or detours. When snow or ice is on the road, motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, avoid sudden braking or turning movements and to stay as visible as possible.

In addition to the snow warnings, a MetService heavy rain watch is in place for the Buller District from tomorrow morning.