Snow shuts Lewis and Arthur’s passes

Kineta Knight

Oct 30, 2026 9:07 am |

Snow falling at Arthur’s Pass this morning / NZTA - Supplied

Snow has closed sections of two major South Island highways this morning, with motorists urged to delay their journeys.

NZ Transport Agency confirmed at 8.30am that State Highway 7 was closed between the Hanmer Springs turnoff and Springs Junction, including Lewis Pass.

The closure followed an 8am update advising State Highway 73 was shut between Arthur’s Pass Village and Otira while roading crews worked to clear snow.

NZTA asked motorists to avoid the affected areas and take care on roads that remained open but were also affected by snow.

MetService road snowfall warnings remained in place this morning for Arthur’s Pass and other alpine passes.

NZTA said further updates would be provided as road conditions changed.

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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]