The Lindis Pass, SH8, between Tarras and Omarama, will remain closed overnight with fresh snow falling and several areas of slips and flooding, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

“People are best to delay travel until tomorrow and then check their routes,” says Graeme Hall, System Manager for Waka Kotahi. “There are a number of local/council-managed road closures in place also so people need to check their council facebook pages and updates.”

• The Lindis Pass closure will be reviewed at midday on Wednesday. Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/391592

North of Omarama to Twizel, SH8, is also staying closed overnight due to flooding and will be reviewed at midday Wednesday. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/391611

SH83 Omarama to Kurow remains closed with significant flooding at Otematata township. Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/391596

The alternate route into Queenstown Lakes District

• The alternative route between Otago and Canterbury is SH85 (Palmerston to Kyeburn and Alexandra, called the Pig Route) and SH1. People need to take care on this route as there is surfacing flooding and potholes/pavement damage from recent flooding and snow. Please note, more snow overnight may also affect access. Check the map first https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

Harder to find a bed

Accommodation in places like Twizel, Fairlie and Tekapo is booking up with the arrival of travellers stalled by the closures of the inland routes. People are advised to pause on their trips earlier and ensure they have somewhere to stay the night before they get there.

Snow falling Burkes Pass, SH8, and other inland routes

Snow is falling this afternoon on SH8, Burkes Pass, between Twizel and Fairlie. Travellers are warned to expect snow clearing on the highway and the possibility this road may also close at some point. Check the map. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic

Aoraki/Mt Cook

The Aoraki/ Mt Cook Road, SH80, is staying closed overnight with a big liquid slip 2km south of Glentanner continuing to cover the highway as the rain keeps falling. Next update Wednesday. https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/392635

“Crews are working to clear the material, but rain is keeping the flows coming with a significant amount of material needing to be trucked away,” says John Keenan, Maintenance Contract Manager for Waka Kotahi in South Canterbury.

“We will do our best Wednesday to get a single lane to Aoraki/ Mt Cook re-established.”

Home Page | Auckland | Previous Story | Next Story

Copyright (c) Scoop Media