Drivers using South Island/Te Waipounamu alpine routes overnight and this week need to check the MetService forecasts first, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Snow is forecast for Arthur’s Pass and Porters Pass (SH73 linking Canterbury and the West Coast), and the Lindis Pass (SH8, the Mackenzie Basin/Omarama in Canterbury to Cromwell in Central Otago), says MetService.

Lindis - Canterbury/Otago route

“On the Lindis Pass, a key route into Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes Districts, rain is expected to turn to snow this afternoon and overnight,” says Waka Kotahi Journey Manager Nicole Felts. “Given we have had heavy snowfalls here already this winter, people need to drive prepared and forewarned.”

• Updates on the Lindis Pass weather here: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#lower-south
• Waka Kotahi updates for Otago here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/regions/13
• Queenstown Lakes District winter updates (eg for the Crown Range Road linking Wanaka and Queenstown) here: https://www.qldc.govt.nz/services/transport-and-parking/winter-road-reports
• In Southland, the Milford Sound Piopiotahi route, SH94 is forecast to have rain showers turning to snow from Wednesday this week. Check this link for updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/journeys/124

Tips for winter driving:

• Carry chains and know how and when to fit them.
• Accelerate smoothly and brake gently.
• Plan extra travel time and slow down.
• Four-wheel drive vehicles are no safer than other vehicles, especially downhill.
• Make sure all car windows are free of snow and ice.
• Check the road conditions before you leave.
• Be aware that shaded areas may be icy all day.
• Ice can occur at any time of day.
• Take extra care on bridges.
• Double your following distances.
• Never overtake a grit truck.

Lewis, Arthur’s, Porters alpine passes

The two main routes linking the West Coast and Canterbury (SH7 and SH73) also have snow forecast and there is a single lane section at Porters Pass (SH73) where the retaining wall is being rebuilt. People need to plan for a longer journey on SH73 as a result.

• On the Lewis Pass, SH7, rain could turn to snow early Tuesday morning.
• At Arthur’s Pass, SH73, rain could turn to snow from tonight (Monday) through to tomorrow.
• At Porters Pass, SH73, as at Arthur’s Pass to the west, rain could turn to snow tonight through into Tuesday.

South Canterbury – area snow warning

Waka Kotahi has snow forecast for SH8 through the Lindis Pass and Burkes Pass (between Fairlie and Lake Tekapo, then on to Omarama) and the Aoraki/Mt Cook highway to Glentanner from later tonight (Monday):

https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/areawarnings/388942

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