As people head away for the long holiday weekend, road users are being urged to be wary of potential ice and freezing fog on central South Island highways that may pose a hazard. 

In addition to the King’s Birthday public holiday to be observed on Monday (1 June), the long weekend will extend to four days for many because of a teacher-only day this Friday (29 May).

On State Highways 8 and 80 in the Mackenzie Basin, widespread frosts are forecast on Friday morning as temperatures are forecast to dip below zero degrees Celsius, in addition to areas of freezing fog possible through the day. 

Forecasts supplied to the New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) also show that on Saturday the outlook is for more sub-zero temperatures, widespread frosts and freezing fog in parts of the Mackenzie Basin. There is an elevated risk of ice on the roads and bridges on Saturday before rain is expected to arrive for many places on Sunday.

Further north, in the alpine and foothill areas, morning frosts are also expected for State Highways 7, 73 and 77 through until Sunday. Long weekend travellers should also be aware of the potential for frosts and ice through until Sunday in the Central Otago and Southern Lakes areas.

NZTA contractors will be monitoring the condition of the state highways and may apply grit or other treatments to improve traction in areas where ice is built up or likely to form. 

People are reminded to travel with care, and to adjust their driving to icy or foggy conditions – including being visible, reducing speed, adjusting the travelling distance behind other motorists, and avoiding sudden braking or turning movements.