"Treacherous" driving conditions on the Haast Pass continue to create havoc for some motorists struggling with New Zealand's wintry roads, Makarora's emergency response chief says.
Three Australian tourists were taken to Wanaka Medical Centre yesterday morning after a single-vehicle accident on State Highway 6 at Pleasant Flat - the second serious incident at that spot in the past three days, Chris Wilson, of Makarora, said.
Motorists needed to be more mindful of the winter driving conditions that existed on mountain passes, highways and roads across the region, he said.
Wanaka police confirmed that the 49-year-old male driver of the car, a 19-year-old female and a 13-year-old boy seated in the back seat were treated for injuries sustained in the crash.
The car driver's ankle was broken in the crash, Senior Sergeant Allan Grindell said.
Mr Wilson said the driver lost control of his vehicle on an icy, shady stretch of road and the car hit a tree head-on.
A group of passing travellers took the injured to Makarora, about 30km south of the crash site.
An 18-year-old Japanese man living in Nelson crashed on the same stretch of SH6 at Pleasant Flat on Saturday night, sustaining multiple fractures when his vehicle hit a tree.
Near-zero temperatures and clear frosty conditions yesterday morning, after rainfall on Monday night, combined to create "treacherous" driving conditions for the unwary motorist, Mr Wilson said.
Highway conditions around the Southern Lakes mountain pass highways remain affected by the recent wintry weather.
The New Zealand Transport Agency continues to have a "general warning" in place for motorists to be mindful of winter driving conditions.
Motorists are advised to watch for ice in shaded areas and bridge decks, and to carry chains when travelling over alpine passes.
The Lindis Pass was closed yesterday morning because of snow and ice, reopening in the afternoon, while motorists taking the Crown Range road were advised to fit chains.
