Major roads affected after wild weather hits South Island

Heavy snow has caused the closure of several major roads in the South Island.

A heavy snow warning is in place for Canterbury south of the Rangitata River, and North Otago, with significant snow falls expected above 500 metres, MetService said.

A heavy snow watch remains in place for the remainder of Canterbury south of Rangiora as well as Central Otago and Dunedin.

A road snow warning is also in place for Lewis Pass (SH7) which is now closed, Lindis Pass (SH8), Crown Range Road, and Milford Road (SH94) from this morning to later this afternoon, according to MetService.

Snow is also expected to affect the Dunedin to Waitati Highway (SH1) from this afternoon.

A heavy rain watch is also in force for parts of central and southern New Zealand, including below the snow level for areas expecting heavy snow.

Meanwhile, several roads on the West Coast have restrictions in place, including SH37 from Arthur's Pass to Otira which is closed to all vehicles, and SH73 from Springfield to Arthur's Pass (Porter's Pass) which is closed, along with SH7 Hanmer turnoff to Springs Juntion (Lewis Pass), the New Zealand Transport Agency said on Twitter.