Highways around the South Island/Te Waipounamu all reopened around or before lunchtime today after overnight snow and ice closed some alpine routes, says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

Given there is a test match in Dunedin on Saturday 9 July, highways are expected to be busy, so people need to factor extra time into their journey.

• The Crown Range Road between Wanaka and Queenstown opened before 1 pm today. Updates at https://www.facebook.com/QLDCinfo
• SH6 between Haast, in South Westland, and Lake Hawea, in Otago, remains closed until at least midday Saturday. Fallen trees as well as snow need to be cleared from the highway before it is safe for traffic. Updates here: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/roadclosures/389917

Weekend drivers are warned to expect ice Saturday morning especially on shaded patches of highway and bridge decks. Avoiding sudden braking.

• People heading over alpine passes should check the Waka Kotahi traffic map first and also MetService forecasts and updates: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• MetService road snowfall warnings: https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home#road-snowfall-warnings

Simple rules for safe winter travelling

• allow extra time and stay up to date with both road updates and weather forecasts
• ensure your vehicle is safe for winter driving (warranted, windwipers/lights working, spare tyre, chains if in snowy areas)
• drive to the road and weather conditions
• slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards
• allow greater following distance between you and the vehicle ahead
• make sure your cell phone is well charged, check car charger also
• have blankets, snacks, bottles of water ready in case of emergency or a breakdown.

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