About 13 motorists who were trapped in snow on the top of Rimutaka Hill Road, between Wellington and the Waiarapa are now safe, police say.
Police were able to get the motorists to turn around and drive back to either the Wairarapa or Wellington tonight.
The road has been closed for the night and three trucks remain stranded there.
State Highway 1 - the Desert Road - is also closed for the night because of snow and ice.
State Highways 49, 4, 47 and 46 at National Park are also closed because of snow.
The New Zealand Transport Agency says detours are in place but they will add several hours to travel time.
