10 September 2025

UPDATE 10.30pm – SH73 closed again

State Highway 73 from Otira to Arthur’s Pass has closed again due to snow and ice.

The road reopened late this afternoon, to all but towing vehicles, after an earlier closure. However, conditions have now required a further closure.

An update on the road status is expected by 7am tomorrow.

UPDATE 9pm – SH7 reopened after snow

State Highway 7 between Springs Junction and the Hanmer Springs turnoff, including Lewis Pass, has reopened after being closed this afternoon because of snow.

Road users should continue to drive with care in the current conditions on the state highways through the alpine passes.

UPDATE 5.30pm – SH73 reopens after snow closure

State Highway 73 from Otira to Arthur’s Pass has reopened after a closure earlier this afternoon because of snow.

State Highway 7, including Lewis Pass, remains closed for now between Springs Junction and the Hanmer Springs turnoff.

UPDATE 4.15pm – SH7 also closed by snow

A second state highway through the central South Island has been closed because of snow. State Highway 7, including Lewis Pass, is now closed between Springs Junction and the Hanmer Springs turnoff/junction with State Highway 7A.

Road users are advised to delay their journeys or avoid the area if possible.

This follows a closure on SH73 earlier today between Otira and Arthur’s Pass.

Updates for both highways are expected later today.

1.45pm – Snow closes SH73/Arthur’s Pass

Snow has closed State Highway 73 from Otira to Arthur’s Pass.

Road users should avoid the area or delay their travel. An update on the road status will be provided later this afternoon.

Snow is also affecting other parts of the South Island today. The Milford Road/State Highway 94 from Hollyford Road Junction to the Donne River Bridge is due to close again at 5pm today, with more closures likely to follow in the coming days.

Stay up to date at our Journey Planner site.

A recent view of snow on the ground at Arthur’s Pass Village below

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

• Traffic updates: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook Canterbury & West Coast: facebook.com/nztacwc/
• X NZTA: x.com/nztamain
• X Canterbury & West Coast: x.com/nztacwc
• Instagram: instagram.com/nztransportagency
• TikTok: tiktok.com/@nztransportagency
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz
• Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)

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