Wild winter weather wreaks havoc on roads

A belt of icy weather making its way around the country has played havoc with parts of the roading network.

While all major roads in the South Island were now open, icy conditions have made driving treacherous in some areas of Canterbury, Otago and Southland.

Drivers in Fiordland and North Otago and Mid-Canterbury have been warned to drive to the conditions and to carry chains if possible.

In the Central North Island heavy snowfalls continued to take their toll with the Desert Road remaining closed overnight.

State Highway 1 from Taihape to Turangi was also closed.

The Napier to Taupo road, State Highway 5, was closed this morning but drivers could find access on the National Park road, which remained open, a Taupo police spokesman said.

Drivers were asked to drive with care.

- NZPA