Snow closes Rimutaka Hill road

The Rimutaka Hill Road north of Wellington was open early tonight after being closed because of snow but may close again later tonight.

NZ Transport Agency highways manager for Wellington, Rob Whight  said the agency's contractor was clearing a further dusting of snow this evening, but there was potential for the road to close overnight.

If the road had to be closed overnight it would be reopened in time for morning traffic between the Wairarapa and Wellington, unless conditions were too bad.

Freezing weather has hit much of the country today.

State Highway 87 in the South Island was also closed because of the chilly conditions.

New Zealand Transport Agency operating manager David Bates told Radio New Zealand  there was a lot of ice and snow about, especially around Dunedin.

''This evening the problem's going to be ice and we're recommending in Dunedin and areas around Dunedin people don't go out unless it's absolutely essential.''

The agency was also urging caution on the Desert Rd, State Highway 1 between Waiouru and Turangi in the Central North Island, where up to 5cm of snow was expected on the road.

Snow, black ice and sleet caused traffic chaos in and around the hills of Dunedin this morning.

Heavy snow falls in Dunedin caused a number of accidents and closed roads in and out of the city.

Schools were also closed because buses could not take students to school.

Sergeant Ed Baker said Dunedin's roads had quietened down this afternoon once people realised they shouldn't be driving around in such conditions.

The Kilmog Hill, on SH1 north of Dunedin, was close to reopening but flurries of snow threatened to keep it closed, he said.

It had been so busy police were not attending minor accidents where cars slid off the road. There had been no serious injury accidents, he said.

Snow also closed Dunedin Airport this morning, cancelling a total of 10 flights and the travel plans of 480 people.

However, the snow cleared and flights were able to leave from 10.40am.

Dunedin Airport was only rarely closed because of snow, said Air New Zealand airport manager Alistair Bevin.

The MetService predicted Dunedin would experience slightly warmer temperatures tomorrow.

Snow showers would clear by evening for a frosty night but it would be fine tomorrow for north and Central Otago.

For the rest of Otago, Southland and Fiordland there would be snow to near sea level, with snow levels rising.

Snow showers were forecast for Porters Pass, Lindis Pass and the Milford Road in the South Island. 

- NZPA