Sunshine in many places combined with hard work from highway operators over the last couple of days has enabled Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to reopen most Southland and Otago highways.

Banks Peninsula and the alpine passes (SH73 and SH7) are largely back to normal again, while in Southland and Otago, road crews have made good progress with almost all routes now open.

In Otago, SH87, Outram to Middlemarch is currently closed due to heavy snow. Drivers also need to take care on the section of SH87 between Kyeburn and Middlemarch, which is open.SH8 The Lindis Pass, Tarras to Omarama is now clear of snow and ice. All other Otago highways that were closed or with caution warnings over them are now open and clear.

In Southland, SH93 – Clinton to Mataura – has now reopened after an earlier truck crash and snow. Other Southland routes are open, but care is required on areas that have been gritted or with snow and ice remaining in patches, for example SH6 Dipton to Kingston and SH96 Ohai to Nightcaps.

Planning a journey? Click here for the Waka Kotahi Journey Planner.