The Desert Road, State Highway 1, is currently closed due to icy conditions.

"Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays," says a police spokesperson.

Diversions are in place.

"Police thank motorists for their patience and cooperation."

MetService has issued a Road Snowfall Warning for the Desert Road. The warning is valid for five hours from 9pm Sunday July 2 to 2am Monday July 3.

"Snow showers above 900 metres are expected to clear overnight, and one or two centimetres of snow may settle near the summit of the road," says a MetService spokesperson.

"One or two snow showers are also possible late morning before the snow turns to rain, but little if any snow should settle on the road near the summit."