South Island highways closed as ice and snow hit central routes

State Highway 73 and parts of State Highway 8 remain shut after a cold snap left ice across central South Island routes.

Reviewed by Rakai 29 June 2026

Sections of State Highway 73 linking Christchurch and the West Coast have been shut due to icy and snowy conditions, along with State Highway 8 through the Mackenzie Basin from Lake Tekapo to Twizel.

NZ Transport Agency contractors are working to make the road safe for truck and trailer units to move. Motorists can use State Highways 8, 1, 82 and 83 as an alternative.

MetService meteorologist Michael Pawley said heavy snow, hail and rain fell across inland Otago and Southland yesterday, with moisture now turning to ice as temperatures drop below zero. Temperatures are expected to fall to -5°C in some places. Ground temperatures can be up to 4°C lower than air temperature.