Warning of ice, fog and snow in South

Motorists are warned to drive to conditions due to ice, fog and snow in parts of Otago, Southland and Canterbury.

Police said they were aware of icy patches on State Highway 1 at Allanton, near Dunedin Airport, this morning.

There were reports of minor crashes around the city due to ice, including one in Highgate in the suburb of Maori Hill and in Brighton Rd between Waldronville and Green Island.

The NZ Transport Agency advised road users to take care due to ice between Milton and Dunedin on SH1 and on SH86 between Allanton and Dunedin Airport. 

MetService has issued road snowfall warnings for some alpine areas, including Crown Range Rd and Lindis Pass (SH8) from midnight until 7am Wednesday. 

Arthurs and Porters Pass on SH73 are also expected to see snow later this evening until early tomorrow morning. 

It was a frosty start to the day in Central Otago, with patches of fog also. Everywhere had sub-zero temperatures, except for Roxburgh, ranging from -4˚C to 3˚C, a spokeswoman for the district council said.

Ice was likely around daybreak on bridge decks and shaded areas and road users were warned to be cautious still in Māniatoto and Upper Manuherekia, as there was still a lot of snow and ice about.

"Keep an eye out for excess grit, reduce your speeds and drive to the conditions."

Danseys Pass Road is closed (from the gates past the Danseys Pass Hotel) due to snow.

In Queenstown, roads were dry around the district. 

The Crown Range Road is open and had been gritted, but motorists were advised to watch out for icy spots, a spokesman said. 

"Please adjust your speeds and take it slow if you're using this route."

Southland's Milford Road (SH94) was also open but there is ice and grit, especially around bridges.

MetService said there would be areas of morning fog and frosts in an otherwise fine day for Otago and Southland before scattered rain tonight.

Aoraki/Mt Cook in Canterbury recorded the lowest temperature early this morning at -10˚C, while Lake Tekapo was on -9˚C. 

MetService said there would be morning cloud or fog, and showers about Banks Peninsula, then becoming fine. Rain would develop in the evening, possibly falling as snow above 600 metres in the Mackenzie Country.

Meanwhile, fog is affecting flights to and from Dunedin today.

A flight from Christchurch to Dunedin (NZ 5741), set to arrive at 7.40am, and one from Dunedin to Christchurch (NZ 5758 /SQ 4501) departing at 8.10am were cancelled.

A Jetstar flight (JQ 283) scheduled to arrive in Dunedin from Auckland at 11.15am and one departing from Dunedin to Auckland (JQ 282) at 11.50am has been delayed.

- APL