03/08/2026
Traffic bulletin
3 August 2026
Canterbury | West Coast | Otago | Southland
Road users warned of snow to low levels
Even motorists in the cities may experience driving through some snow tomorrow as temperatures plunge and forecasts suggest flurries to low levels in the South Island.
People are being urged to take extra care on the roads even if snow does not accumulate at significant levels on the ground.
MetService says people should check the snow level in their regional forecasts to prepare if they are going to be driving, particularly in Dunedin and Christchurch on Tuesday morning, and to keep up with any updates on road conditions from New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and local councils or emergency management.
Further inland, MetService has Road Snowfall Warnings in place for the Lewis Pass (State Highway 7), with up to 7cm predicted to accumulate at the summit from 10am tomorrow, and about 1cm near the summit of Porters Pass (State Highway 73).
Dunedin to Waitati Highway (State Highway 1) could see up to 4cm or more above 200m, and lesser amounts closer to sea level, from tonight.
Separate forecasts supplied to NZTA suggest up to 5cm of snow could accumulate above 300m on State Highway 75 to Banks Peninsula, along with lesser amounts in North Canterbury.
NZTA and its contractors will be monitoring the state highways and will be ready to clear snow from the roads, and to close or restrict travel on state highways where necessary. Road users heading inland are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the weather and roading conditions, and to carry warm clothing, food and water with them in case of travel delays or detours.
In winter driving conditions where traction is affected, motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, and avoid sudden braking or turning movements and to stay as visible as possible.
Following snowfalls tomorrow, frosty mornings and icy road conditions are forecast from Wednesday.
Stay up to date on the status of the state highways at NZTA’s Journey Planner site.
Snow could be on the cards for both inland state highways and the cities tomorrow
