Winter storm causes road closures and rockfalls across South Island

Thursday 27 August 2026 · 5 outlets · 6 reports · updated Thu 27 Aug, 7:25am

In this story MetService, NZ Transport Agency

Heavy snow and rain from a slow-moving low have closed State Highway 73 and State Highway 94. The storm has also triggered multiple rockfalls and increased avalanche risks. Forecasters warn that significant weather will continue through Friday, with heavy rain and snow expected across the South Island.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffThu 27 Aug, 5:11am

   South Island lashed by heavy rain as snow hits alpine roads (opens in new tab)

2. The PressThu 27 Aug, 6:24am

   Canterbury highway closed as snow storm hits (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldThu 27 Aug, 6:33am

   Weather: Snow closes roads as significant winter storm hits South Island (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsThu 27 Aug, 7:25am

   Snow closes Canterbury highway, avalanche warning issued (opens in new tab)

   • Snow closes Canterbury highway as winter storm hits (opens in new tab) Thu 27 Aug, 7:25am
   • Winter storm shuts South Island highways, avalanche risk climbs (opens in new tab) Thu 27 Aug, 7:25am