Vehicles stranded after heavy snow shuts roads, schools as Central Otago hit by wintry blast

Author: Ben Tomsett,
Publish Date: Thu, 25 Jun 2026, 9:21am

Heavy snowfall has closed the Crown Range Rd, stranded vehicles, shut a school and created hazardous driving conditions across parts of Central Otago as a winter blast sweeps up the South Island.

The road was closed this morning after heavy snow left vehicles stuck and made driving conditions across the alpine route hazardous.

Queenstown Lakes District Council said snow had been falling throughout the morning, with crews working to clear stranded vehicles.

“The closure for Crown Range Road is in place as some vehicles are stuck in the middle of the road and heavy snow continues to fall while crews work hard to clear it.”

Road crews spent the night ploughing and gritting the route, with motorists initially required to carry chains before conditions deteriorated further.

Drivers travelling between Queenstown and Wānaka were advised to use the alternative route via Cromwell on State Highway 6.

Snow is falling at the Remarkables ski field this morning. Photo / The Remarkables

The weather also forced Arrowtown School to close for the day after bus services through the Crown Range area were unable to operate.

Heavy snowfall has been reported in Kingston and south towards Lumsden, while icy conditions and black ice risks were affecting roads across the wider district.

Temperatures had dropped to between -2C and -4C in some areas.

The winter blast comes as ski fields prepare for wider openings after a slow start to the season.

Coronet Peak reported 12cm of fresh snow in the past 24 hours, bringing its season snowfall total to 12cm.

“We’ve finally got a taste of winter,” the ski field said in its morning snow report.

Snowmaking had been running continuously overnight and Coronet Peak said conditions had improved enough for its beginner facilities to operate, although wind was affecting the Coronet Express chairlift.

The field currently has three of its eight lifts operating and said additional terrain and chairlifts could open by the weekend if conditions continue to improve.

The Crown Range Rd is closed today due to heavy snowfall. Photo / Metservice

At the Remarkables, snowmaking crews were also taking advantage of colder temperatures, with the ski field hoping to open its learner area on Saturday.

The Remarkables received 4cm of snow in the previous 24 hours but has kept its access road closed because of conditions.

“Rest assured we are doing everything we can to get open,” the ski field said.

“We’re keen to get winter underway and to have everyone up here to share the mountain with us.”

Coronet Peak advised chains were required for all vehicles travelling on its access road, while motorists across the region were being urged to check road conditions before travelling and carry chains where required.