For road travellers, winter (usually between June and August) can be the most dangerous time of year for driving, it doesn’t have to be if you’re prepared and plan your trip in advance.
Motor vehicle crashes involving wet weather, fog, ice and snow can have serious consequences, and these conditions can hit anywhere at any time during winter. Snow can be unpredictable, occurring suddenly in areas like the central North Island and alpine passes in the South Island. It only takes a little bit of snow in mild climates to make roads treacherous.
Allow extra time when driving during winter as weather and road conditions can change in a relatively short period of time. Below is useful links to help make safer travel choices.
For latest road conditions, road restrictions, delays or road closures please go to our:
- Travel information page
- Or you can call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)
- For the latest weather conditions go to Metservice
- Winter Road Report and Road Conditions Tool Trial
The NZ Transport Agency is encouraging travellers to become on-the-spot reporters by crowdsourcing travel information in the South Island this winter to help keep the highways safer and everyone better informed about what is happening on our roads.
The following winter driving tips will help you stay safe on the road.