Holidaymakers heading home after Labour Weekend are being urged to keep a close eye on the weather, with heavy snow, rain and strong winds expected to sweep across parts of the South Island from Monday afternoon (October 27). 

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said road crews are on standby to respond to any new slips, flooding or power line damage after last week’s severe weather.

NZTA is advising drivers to plan ahead, allow extra time, and adjust their driving to the conditions. 

“Snow and heavy rain can cause loss of traction and motorists should think about adjusting their speeds and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking and staying visible,” the agency said. 

MetService has issued several orange weather warnings for the central and lower South Island, meaning people should be prepared for possible disruption and risks to safety and property. 

A MetService spokesperson said an active low-pressure system with embedded fronts - described as a “significant storm” - is expected to move across Aotearoa from the Tasman Sea during Labour Day and Tuesday. 

Heavy snow is expected for the Canterbury high country south of SH73 on Monday afternoon and evening with 10 to 15 centremetres above 500 metres, and up to 30 centremetres above 800 meters in the Mackenzie Basin.

For the alpine passes, Milford Road, Crown Range Road, and the Dunedin-Waitati Highway (State Highway 1), road snowfall warnings are in place, with up to 25 centremetres or more possible above 700 metres at Arthur’s Pass. 

Meanwhile there are heavy rain warnings for the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers north of Arthur’s Pass, and for the Westland ranges north of Haast. 

Strong wind watches are also in place for the Canterbury high country and Banks Peninsula.

NZTA said in high winds, drivers of high-sided vehicles, motorcycles and towing vehicles should take extra care. 

The agency warned some state highways may be closed or restricted if conditions become unsafe. 

State Highway 6 between Haast and Makarora, including Haast Pass, only re-opened on Saturday, with traffic management in place creating delays of up to 30 minutes, after a significant slip shut the east-west route last week.

Weather & Reports