Snow Update 12pm Tuesday 16 August

Additional crews are being directed to the Kingston Frankton state highway in a bid to open that route. The road remains closed with snow continuing to fall at Kingston. Residents report an additional 60cm has fallen since yesterday’s significant snowfall. The closure will be reviewed at 1pm.

Queenstown Airport Runway reopened this morning at 10.40am to flights.

Chains continue to be still essential for travel in many parts of the Wakatipu Basin.

Schools are closed in the Wakatipu Basin, (Wanaka Primary School is also closed).

Residents are asked to check on neighbours, particularly older citizens and young families to ensure they are warm and have supplies. Assistance may also be appreciated for private driveway and footpath clearance.

Meanwhile chains continue to be essential for travel further afield in Central Otago. The Lindis Pass remains closed.

The Council and libraries are open, however rubbish and recycling collection services have been suspended until further notice (with the exception of the recycling collection at Wanaka).