Snow on the way

Aotearoa New Zealand is in for a few days of windy, showery weather according to MetService. A strong and unstable south-westerly flow will affect the entire country until early next week.

MetService meteorologist Alain Baillie says: "This will mean snow to very low levels in the far south, with heavy snow possible in elevated areas, including the resorts near Queenstown, with the town itself also likely to get snow.”

Snow could also fall to 200 metres around Dunedin, and 300metres over Banks Peninsula from Saturday night, which will affect many roads.

The Remarkables skifield and Coronet Peak already had 5cm overnight Thursday / Friday. The Remarks is open but Coronet Peak remains closed for skiing / snowboarding. Cardrona Alpine Resort also had 4cm overnight and is open.

Those travelling about the South Island, particularly if you’re traveling through passes, should check the MetService website for Road Snow Warnings and with Waka Kotahi NZTA regarding road closures before heading out.

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency are warning people there are likely to be more overseas visitors on our roads, particularly given that the Australian school holidays coincide with New Zealand’s in July.

Here's the report from Waka Kotahi: 

Canterbury, Otago may catch snow

Snow could also fall to 200 metres around Dunedin, and in Canterbury to 300 metres over Banks Peninsula from Saturday night, potentially down to road level, says MetService. 

 

Alpine passes

Those travelling about the South Island, particularly people travelling through the alpine passes (Arthur’s and Porters SH73, Lewis SH7, Burkes and Lindis SH8, also the Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown and SH80 into Aoraki/Mt Cook) should check the MetService website for Road Snow Warnings and with Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for road closures and advice. 

• Please keep up to date with the most current information from MetService at  www.metservice.com
• Lots of driving tips for ice and snow here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/media-releases/winter-2023-otago-and-southland-simple-tips-to-stay-safe/

 

Best place to check the Crown Range Road

The Crown Range, a locally managed road linking Wanaka and Queenstown, catches its fair share of snow and ice, with chains required from time to time. Please check QLDC’s facebook page for updates: https://www.facebook.com/QLDCinfo/ 

 

Don’t underestimate Mid/South Canterbury highways

Travellers frequently underestimate the speed at which snow and ice can form on highways like Burkes Pass between Fairlie and Tekapo and the Lindis Pass, the entrance to Central Otago via Tekapo (SH8), says Mark Pinner, System Manager for Waka Kotahi Central South Island.

 “The highway into Aoraki/Mt Cook, SH80, can also catch people out as it is one way in and one way out – so travel with good clothing and blankets and a few supplies in case you need to wait for the road to be cleared.”

  

Keep your lights on dip

Fog is another winter hazard people need to watch out for, says Mr Pinner. Drive with your lights on dip, watch for ice and drive slower to suit the conditions to avoid rolling or sliding off the road or into another vehicle. 

Keeping your lights on during low visibility weather is another helpful thing to do for long highway drives.

While Waka Kotahi contractors have comprehensive winter maintenance plans in place and will grit a road or apply de-icing compound before ice forms, they rely upon road users to drive to the conditions. Slow down if you suspect there is ice and avoid sudden braking. 

While a temporary highway closure to clear snow or lay grit might be inconvenient, your safety and the safety of other road users is the reason for any closures. “Our contractors have to judge what an average driver could reasonably manage in the conditions,” says Mr Pinner.

 

Black ice

Over the next few months, ice will form even when it’s daylight. Whilst we aim to intervene, sites can change just after we’ve driven through. Be aware of the outside conditions as far as you can. Black ice is usually transparent so the black road surface is all you see. Often you won’t be aware of it until you feel your wheels losing traction/ slipping. It is often found on bridges and in shaded spots under tree overhangs, areas which do not catch the sun in winter. 

1. As soon as your car begins to slide on black ice, take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Don't slam the brakes.
3. Look for trouble spots ahead.
4. If your car does begin to skid on the ice, turn the wheel in the direction of the skid.
5. Leave plenty of space between your car and the other cars on the road.

 

Sunstrike:  At the start and end of the day be aware that sunstrike can be blinding as the sun’s rays are at low angles. Before a journey, clean your windscreen inside and out thoroughly. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/roadcode/heavy-vehicle-road-code/road-code/about-driving/when-conditions-change/sunstrike/

 

Will you tow us out?

Waka Kotahi contractors are instructed to only tow vehicles that are in a hazardous position or affecting the contractor’s ability to open or maintain the road, if it is safe to do so. Vehicles will only be towed to the nearest safe pull-over area. All reasonable care will be taken, but the contractor cannot accept liability for any damage incurred. Ultimately vehicle owners are responsible for the recovery of their vehicle if they get stuck.

Please remember it is illegal to: Drive on a closed state highway or ignore restrictions and drive recklessly when the weather alters the driving environment. 

Tips

• Allow for much greater braking distances and avoid braking suddenly.
• For long trips, pack warm clothes, snacks, make sure your phone is charged and keep up to date with weather forecasts and latest roading conditions.
• Turn on your headlights, early in the morning and as dusk falls.
• If you are following a de-icing truck, keep as far behind as you can as the de-icing liquid needs a minute to dry to be effective.
• Road users can call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49) or visit www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz to find the latest road information.
• More winter driving tips here: https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/driving-to-the-conditions/winter-driving/
• Metservice weather warnings - https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home

 

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey. Keep up to date with:

 Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

• Facebook: facebook.com/NZTASouthIsland
• Twitter Top of the South: twitter.com/WakaKotahiTOTS
• Twitter Canterbury/West Coast: twitter.com/WakaKotahiCWC
• Twitter Otago/Southland: twitter.com/WakaKotahiOS
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)