Wintry conditions close roads

Snow, slips and a fallen tree have closed the highway between Opotiki and Gisborne overnight as wintry conditions brought snow and ice to the country's roads.

State Highway 2, the Waioeka Gorge Road, was closed last night and was expected to reopen at 10am today, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency.

Police reported few incidents apart from a car losing control and crashing at Urenui near New Plymouth. There were no injuries and the crash was put down to black ice.

There were a number of cautions issued for drivers planning to travel on roads around the North Island, including snow on the Desert Rd, SH1, and the Napier-Taupo Rd, SH5.

The Tangahoe Bridge south of Hawera on SH3 in south Taranaki was closed to heavy vehicles and police advised motorists to take care on SH3, Mokau Road, New Plymouth as there was black ice on parts of the road.

There were also warnings for the Rimutaka Hill road, SH2.

"There is snow and ice on the road please drive to the conditions," said team leader Amanda Jensen of police central communications.

In the South Island, SH7 Lewis Pass was closed to towing vehicles and there were cautions in other parts of the island due to wind and snow.

- NZPA