17 September 2026, 11am – Further highway reopens 

State Highway 96, at Oreti Plains in Southland, has reopened after a closure due to flooding that began yesterday.

While the section of SH96/Winton-Wreys Bush Highway between Riverside Road and Ryan Road is clear and open again, people are asked to travel with extra care on this route.

No other state highway closures are currently in place owing to the current weather event, but general caution is being encouraged where snow and flooding remain.

17 September 2026, 7.30am – Snow, flooding remain but closures ease

State Highway 96, at Oreti Plains in Southland, remains closed this morning because of flooding; but State Highway 87 between Middlemarch and Outram, in Otago, is open again after a snow closure overnight.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi has area warnings are in place because of snow on some state highways, including SH87, State Highway 85 and State Highway 8 at Lindis Pass.

MetService has lifted its Road Snowfall Warnings for Lindis Pass (SH8) and Haast Pass (SH6), but warnings remain for highways at the alpine passes in Canterbury.

People are encouraged to plan ahead and take extra care when travelling, especially on inland roads.

16 September 2026, 9pm – Highway closures as icy weather sets in

Closures are in place on two southern state highways this evening, with at least one to remain in place overnight. They are:

• State Highway 87 between Middlemarch and Outram, in Otago, because of snow. A detour is available: northbound traffic from SH87 at Outram should travel south and left onto State Highway 1, then left onto State Highway 85, then left again onto SH87. The reverse applies for southbound traffic.
• State Highway 96, at Oreti Plains in Southland, between Riverside Road and Ryan Road, because of flooding. A detour is available: westbound traffic should turn right onto Riverside Road, then left onto Ryan Road, and back onto SH96. The reverse applies for eastbound traffic.

A further update on the closure of SH87 is expected by 10am tomorrow morning, while SH96 is due to remain closed until further notice.

Snow or flooding are also affecting other roads in Otago and Southland, and care is bring urged from road users.

16 September 2026, 3.45pm – Flooding and snow as cold front arrives

There are reports of flooding and snow on state highways in the lower South Island as a forecast cold snap moves onto the mainland.

Roading crews for NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) have been out today to assesses snow on State Highway 6 between Lowther and Parawa in Southland, and grit trucks are in operation, while there has been surface flooding reported in places across State Highways 96 and 99. Most recently, surface flooding has been reported on State Highway 1 in central Dunedin.

No closures or restrictions are in place related to this weather event as yet, but road users are being urged to take care and drive to the conditions.

MetService has multiple road snowfall warnings in place for the South Island’s alpine passes from today through to tomorrow (Thursday 17 September). A general Heavy Snow Watch is in place for Central Otago, Queenstown Lakes District and the Mackenzie Basin through until the early hours tomorrow.

Heavy rain watches apply to the Ranges of the Westland District and the Buller District.

14 September 2026 – Snow chance of a hassle-free spring on the roads

The flowers may be blooming but those driving across the central and lower South Island are not free of the icy grip of winter just yet.

Cold southerly blasts continue to rudely interrupt the warming spring weather, and MetService is predicting conditions may be “favourable for large amounts of snow at higher elevations” again later this week.

A cold front is forecast to reach the South Island tomorrow (Tuesday 15 September), with heavy rain expected for western areas already sodden after recent storms. A MetService Heavy Rain Watch is in place for Fiordland from 5pm tomorrow.

Warm temperatures across eastern parts of the island are set to plunge on Wednesday, MetService says, with higher roads in for snow on Wednesday and Thursday.

Private forecasts supplied to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) suggest a risk of 10cm of snow in the Mackenzie Basin impacting State Highways 8 and 80 early Thursday (17 September), while further north more than 10cm may fall on higher parts of State Highway 73 such as Porters Pass and west of Arthur’s Pass village.

NZTA’s roading crews will be monitoring the state highways – especially around the alpine passes -- and will be ready to clear snow or put in place closures or restrictions where necessary to keep people safe.

On State Highway 94 near Milford Sound, the cold front and accompanying rain is predicted to elevate the avalanche risk. Part of SH94 is likely to close from tomorrow evening (Tuesday 15 September), with a reopening currently expected around midday on Wednesday (16 September) after checks are completed.

With the potential for 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.

In heavy rain, NZTA reminds people to think about adjusting their speeds and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible (using headlights in daytime hours). People are also urged to avoid driving through floodwaters where the depth is unclear and there may be hidden obstructions.

Stay up to date on the highway conditions at NZTA’s Journey Planner site.