Snow brings overnight restrictions to SH73

Kineta Knight

Oct 16, 2026 9:20 am |

State Highway 73 at Porters Pass / NZTA - Supplied

Snow forced restrictions on State Highway 73 between Springfield and Otira on Thursday night as a cold front moved up the South Island.

NZ Transport Agency said the highway was closed to towing vehicles and chains were essential for other vehicles travelling through the affected section.

The snowfall followed surface flooding on state highways on the West Coast and in Otago.

MetService road snowfall warnings for State Highways 73 and 7 were due to continue into Friday.

NZ Transport Agency said a further update on the SH73 restrictions was expected on Friday morning.

Motorists can check the latest road conditions and restrictions on the agency’s Journey Planner.

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Kineta Knight

Kineta Knight is a highly experienced senior journalist, content creator and producer. She has worked as a reporter for radio, TV, digital and print, as well as editor of lifestyle magazines in NZ and the UK. Kineta's interests include all-things creative and community. Contact: [email protected]