State Highway 87 between Sutton and Outram reopened late on Sunday morning, the New Zealand Transport Agency advised.
Heavy snow caused major disruptions in parts of the country on Saturday, delaying flights in Queenstown while snow had to be cleared off the tarmac, closing roads and making driving treacherous.
The Crown Range is open and has been gritted, the Queenstown Lakes District Council said. Chain should be carried by all vehicles. The Kawarau Gorge is icy and has been gritted.
The Desert Road in the central North Island has been closed since late on Saturday afternoon.
A snow plough and other contractors were brought in to clear the road and allow trapped trucks and cars to get through. Some made their way out without help, but others had to be towed.
And the icy chill is not over yet. Severe weather watches are in place for Wairarapa, including the Tararua district, until mid-morning on Sunday and in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne until mid-afternoon.
MetService meteorologist Nicole Ranger said clear weather was on the way for most of the country as a ridge pushed on from the west, however the cold snap would continue into the week.
Icy temperatures were expected to drop even lower than last night, tonight, with Queenstown plummeting to -3degC.
The heavy dumping of snow has prompted NZTA to warn drivers to take extra care on several state highways in the South, telling motorists chains must be carried. Farmers were also urged to check on livestock.
Promising start to ski season
The wintry blast is a promising sight for skiers, with snow falling on Mt Ruapehu in the North Island for the first time this year as well as at Coronet Peak and the Remarkables in the South Island.
If all goes to plan, Whakapapa ski field will open on June 10 and Turoa on July 1.
In the South Island, Mt Hutt ski area is scheduled to open on June 9, the Remarkables the following day, and Coronet Peak on June 17.
- Herald on Sunday, ODT
