Parts of both State Highway 73 between Christchurch and the West Coast, and State Highway 8 in the Mackenzie Basin, are closed this morning because of snow and ice.

The closures are as follows:

• State Highway 73 between Springfield and Arthur’s Pass Village. People are asked to consider delaying their journeys.
• State Highway 8 between Lake Tekapo and Twizel. A detour route is available via State Highways 8, 1, 82 and 83.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) also has multiple area warnings in place across other central South Island state highways because of the ice risk and winter driving conditions.

People are urged to take extra care if travelling on these inland roads.

Meanwhile, State Highway 6/Taramakau Highway north of Kumara Junction on the West Coast is under traffic management following a crash that earlier closed the road.

Road users are advised to take extra care when travelling along this route, and to follow directions provided at the site.