Pictures and video on social media show machinery clearing roads and a measuring tape appearing to show nearly 30cm of snow in one spot.
Two large machines had been clearing the streets, though it was quiet in the Central Otago township.
The power had just gone out this morning, which would likely make things a bit quieter, he said. The store remained open.
The snow was generally about ankle-deep in most places.
While they were somewhat used to snow in winter in Naseby he thought he had not seen quite so much snow in about five or six years.
"It's the first time in a long time where it's been this much snow."
All main roads into the Maniototo were closed because of thick snow in the area this morning.
Local radio is reporting 17cm of snow at Kyeburn; more than 25cm at Naseby and it being "over Liane's Redbands" at Shortland Station.
Roads closed are: Kyeburn River Road, Ranfurly Naseby Road, Saint Bathans Loop Road, Ida-Valley Omakau Road from Boundary Rd intersection to SH85 and Danseys Pass Rd, from Naseby is now closed from Naseby.
"Crews continue to grit and clear snow around the network. Caution around trees as we are starting to see several branches/ trees down due to the weight of the snow," the Central Otago District Council advised.
There were no issues to report in Alexandra, Roxburgh and Cromwell.
State highways reopen
All but one of the state highways in the South Island have reopened after snow clearing work, the New Zealand Transport Agency/Waka Kotahi advised today.
Only SH1 north of Oamaru remains closed due to significant flooding. The stretch of road north to Seven Mile Rd will potentially remain closed overnight.
A detour is available for southbound traffic to turn right on to Seven Mile Road, then left on to SH83, then right back on to SH1. The reverse applies for northbound traffic.
SH83, between SH1 and Georgetown in North Otago, has reopened following a closure because of flooding.
Both State Highway 87 between Kyeburn and Outram, and SH85, Kyeburn to Palmerston, have also reopened after closures due to snow.
Road users are urged to continue travelling with extra care on these reopened roads as winter driving conditions are expected to persist.
In Canterbury, Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook Village in the Mackenzie Basin recorded about 25cm of snow since yesterday, and more snow showers were possible throughout the day, a spokesman for the NZTA advised this morning.
"Crews will be working to clear snow and reopen highways, but this will depend on conditions."
State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Lake Pukaki in the Mackenzie Basin was fully open again. People were asked to travel with care on this route, NZTA advised.
SH8 between Omarama and Tarras (including the Lindis Pass) has reopened, as has SH85 between Becks and Kyeburn in Otago.
Meanwhile, State Highway 6 on the West Coast is fully open after a closure due to downed powerlines. Care was urged due to ongoing strong winds.
A heavy snow warning was in place for inland Otago and Southland, north of Lumsden, until 6am.
"With snow closures and more snow possible, people are advised to carry warm clothes, water and food in case they get stuck, or need to stop and wait for the weather to pass. Ensuring sufficient battery range or petrol in the tank is also advised in case there are detours and diversions required."
In heavy rain and flooding, NZTA reminded people to think about adjusting their speeds and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking, and staying visible (using headlights in daytime hours). People are also urged to avoid driving through floodwaters where the depth is unclear and there may be hidden obstructions.
Chains essential on Crown Range
A road snowfall warning was in place for the Crown Range until 3am and the alpine road linking Queenstown and Wānaka is open.
However, chains must be fitted while crews clear snow and apply grit. Chain fitting checkpoints are in place, and motorists should be prepared to stop and fit chains at designated areas. Conditions will be reviewed and updated as they change.
Other roads in the area and Wānaka are open, but care needed due to wet and icy conditions.
- Wānaka has wet roads and precautionary grit has been applied around Glendhu Bluffs.
- Kawarau Gorge has ice in patches - be extremely careful if traveling through there.
- Queenstown Hill and Fernhill has a mix of wet and dry road conditions this morning.
- Arrowtown and Dalefield are experiencing light drizzle with wet roads, with temperatures around 3°C.
- Glenorchy Road - Mostly wet roads. Localised precautionary gritting has been carried out where needed.
- additional reporting Allied Media
