Snow has closed roads in the South Island, and towing vehicles are not being allowed on other routes because of ice.
Crown Range. Photo: Supplied / Downer
Heavy snow has closed the Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) near Hanmer Springs and SH94 between Hollyford Road and Milford.
NZTA said chains are required on the Lindis Pass, which has been closed to all towing vehicles due to ice, and between Te Anau and Hollyford Road.
Snow has closed the Crown Range this morning, and Queenstown Lakes District Council said the Kawarau Gorge was the alternative route and motorists should expect black ice on the road.
There could also be black ice between Arrowtown and Queenstown back routes, Cardrona and Wanaka, and on Mount Aspiring Road, the council said.
Several schools in the Queenstown region had a delayed start to the day following bus delays due to the black ice and snow.
Photo: Supplied / Downer
Remarkables Primary School, Wakatipu High School and Arrowtown School were among those schools that were due to open about 10am.
And in the North Island, SH2 through the Waioeka Gorge in Bay of Plenty is closed because of a large slip.
The road linking Opotiki and Gisborne was closed overnight and NZTA is warning it could remain shut all day.
It said a full assessment of the slip is being done when it's light enough.
