South Island snow and road closures

The story so far

Snow fell in inland parts of the South Island in late September 2025, and the NZ Transport Agency said drivers needed chains to cross Arthur's Pass.^{26 Sep 2025} MetService forecast a fast-moving cold front from Antarctica bringing snow, rain and strong winds to much of New Zealand, with snow possibly as low as 100m on some South Island roads.^{30 Sep 2025} A southerly flow from Antarctica then brought snow and freezing temperatures to parts of the South Island.^{1 Oct 2025} State Highway 87 between Middlemarch and Outram was closed due to snow and ice, and a snowfall warning remained in place for Lewis Pass.^{1 Oct 2025}

Latest

The most recent report says State Highway 87 is closed between Middlemarch and Outram because of snow and ice, and a snowfall warning remains for Lewis Pass.^{1 Oct 2025}

What's next

MetService forecast rain for the lower North Island on Wednesday.^{30 Sep 2025}

Key moments

1. 26 Sep 2025Snowfall prompts warnings at alpine passes; chains required for Arthur's Pass.
2. 30 Sep 2025MetService warns of Antarctic cold front, with snow possibly as low as 100m.
3. 1 Oct 2025State Highway 87 closed between Middlemarch and Outram due to snow and ice.
4. 1 Oct 2025Snowfall warning remains in place for Lewis Pass.

Written from the stories below; each sentence links to its sources.