Motorists are being warned of “potentially hazardous” snowfalls through the central South Island as a wintry blast hits the country.

NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said snow was likely on the alpine passes from Saturday afternoon.

MetService has the following road snow warnings in place, with the biggest impact expected to be inland Canterbury on State Highways 73 and 7:

  • Lewis Pass (State Highway 7) – up to 5cm accumulating down to 400m elevation, from 9pm Saturday, and light snow or sleety showers into Sunday.
  • Arthur’s Pass (State Highway 73) – up to 5cm about the summit from 6pm Saturday.
  • Porters Pass (State Highway 73) – up to 15cm accumulating about the summit from 6pm Saturday, and light snow showers through to Sunday evening.
  • Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) – up to 2cm accumulating at times above 800m from noon Saturday.
  • Crown Range Road – 1cm may accumulate at times above 800m through today.

An NZTA spokesman said the snowfalls were “potentially hazardous”, and the agency would be monitoring the highways and would be ready to clear snow from the roads, and to close or restrict travel where necessary.

He said that following the snow, icy conditions were expected in many places from tomorrow as freezing conditions persist.

“People are urged to take extra care, especially driving in sheltered areas and when travelling late at night or early mornings when ice is most likely to form.”

— Allied Media