Wintry blast brings snow and road closures to South Island

Wednesday 1 October 2025 · 5 outlets · 5 reports · updated Wed 1 Oct 2025, 11:02am

In this story MetService, NZ Transport Agency

A southerly flow from Antarctica has brought snow and freezing temperatures to parts of the South Island. State Highway 87 between Middlemarch and Outram is closed due to snow and ice, while a snowfall warning remains in place for Lewis Pass.

How they headlined it

7:17am9:24am10:20am

1. Otago Daily TimesWed 1 Oct 2025, 7:17am

   Spring snow prompts warnings on southern roads (opens in new tab)

2. The PressWed 1 Oct 2025, 9:24am

   Temps to drop below zero as snow settles on South Island roads (opens in new tab)

3. 1NewsWed 1 Oct 2025, 10:20am

   'Bitter night' for parts of South Island (opens in new tab)

4. NZ HeraldWed 1 Oct 2025, 10:58am

   Spring snow hits South Island as Antarctic blast brings freezing temps, strong winds (opens in new tab)

5. RNZWed 1 Oct 2025, 11:02am

   Weather: Cold snap hits South Island (opens in new tab)