UPDATE: State Highways 46, 47 and 49 are now open.

State Highway 1 remains closed between Rangipo and Waiouru, due to heavy snowfall in the region.

"There is a detour in place for southbound traffic via State Highway 46, State Highway 47, State Highway 4 and State Highway 49, before rejoining State Highway 1 at Waiouru," says Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency.

"Northbound traffic use the same route in reverse."

Motorists can keep up to date with State Highway conditions and view webcams by checking our interactive Traffic Info Map: journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/northisland

EARLIER:

Heavy snowfall has forced Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency to close State Highway 1 Desert Road is closed between Turangi and Waiouru.

A further update will be provided around midday.

Waka Kotahi Waikato System Manager Cara Lauder says State Highways 46, 47 are also closed due to snowfall and are also expected to remain closed for some time. State Highway 49 is open to local traffic only and the Taihape-Napier Road also remains closed, with an update expected by 11am.

'Please delay unnecessary travel or consider using State Highway 4 and State Highway 41, via Whanganui. Depending on your destination, this may add a considerable amount of time to your journey.

'Plan ahead and allow extra time for your journeys and drive to the road and weather conditions. Maintain a greater following distance between your vehicle and the one in front, and to slow down and be prepared for unexpected hazards.”

Waka Kotahi thanks motorists for their patience.

UPDATE 9AM, THU 2 JUL
Weather conditions remain unchanged with snow continuing to fall. SH1 Taihape to Rangipo, SH46 Rangipo to Tongariro, SH47 Turangi to National Park & Taihape-Napier Rd are all CLOSED. Detour is via SH3 Whanganui, SH4 Raetihi/National Park & SH41 Manunui. pic.twitter.com/OWsbJoR2WC

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) July 1, 2020

Winter driving tips

• Check weather and travel conditions on highways before you start your trip and on breaks throughout your journey - use www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz or call 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49).
• Ensure your car is safe and equipped: spare tyre, warrant of fitness up-to-date, lights, brakes and wind-wipers all working, clean windscreen inside and out, check tyre treads to ensure good grip.
• If you are travelling long distances, share the driving and have regular breaks.
• Wear your seat belt throughout the journey and check your passengers have theirs clicked in too.
• Driving on roads that are exposed to snow and ice can be treacherous, so slow down and drive to the conditions, not the allowable/legal speed limit. Increase the following distance between you and the vehicle ahead.
• Be prepared when travelling in case of delays on the road, particularly in alpine conditions. Make sure you have warm clothes/food/water/charged mobile phone. In an emergency, phone 111. Bear in mind some parts of the highway have no cell coverage.
• Learn about winter driving, including how to get your vehicle ready and if you are driving in an area where chains may be needed, practise putting them on before you go so you are not caught out. https://www.nzta.govt.nz/safety/driving-safely/winter-driving/

Plan ahead for a safe, enjoyable journey this summer. Keep up to date with:

• Traffic updates: nzta.govt.nz/traffic
• Facebook: facebook.com/nztacni
• Twitter: twitter.com/nztacni
• Journey planner: journeys.nzta.govt.nz

Phone: 0800 4 HIGHWAYS (0800 44 44 49)