In the central North Island about 500 people are snowed in at the Skotel Alpine Resort and Chateau Tongariro.
KEY POINTS:
Some highways reopen, some still closed by snow and flooding
Snow has eased across the Central Plateau and will ease this afternoon in Hawke's Bay
Rain and gales expected to lash central and eastern regions
Four trampers missing in the Tararua Ranges are safe and well
Another group stranded by a swollen river in the Rimutaka Forest Park walks out
500 trapped at an alpine resort have been able to leave
Some roads have reopened after a wild three days of rain and snow has caused icy and flooded conditions for the central and lower North Island and much of the South Island.
The NZ Transport Agency said a small number of central North Island roads are beginning to open this afternoon but extra care is needed while there is still ice and snow on the road.
NZTA spokeswoman Karen Boyt said people should drive to the conditions and be ready for unexpected hazards when using the areas affected by heavy rain, ice or snow.
She says the snow will be high along the sides of the roads, which will reduce pullover space.
Central Plateau State Highway 5, Taupo to Napier, is now open.
Central Plateau State Highway 46 from Rangipo to National Park and State Highway 47, which connects Tongariro with National Park Village, have been reopened.
Central Plateau State Highway 48, 49 and 1, from Waiouru to Taihape are now open.
Central Plateau State Highway 4 from Whanganui north to Raetihi remains closed.
Central Plateau State Highway 1 from Taihape to Hunterville remains closed due to snow and ice.
Eastern North Island Waioeka Gorge: State Highway 2 between Opotiki and Gisborne is expected to open to one lane at 2pm this afternoon. Road users can expect delays of up to 30 minutes as work continues to stabilise the site.
Eastern North Island State Highway 38 between Wairoa and Urewera National Park remains closed due to flooding.
The NZ Transport Agency said people should drive to the conditions and be ready for unexpected hazards when using this road as the road and surrounding area is still wet.
South Island State Highway 7 (Lewis Pass) is now open again to vehicles, but due to the build-up of traffic there will be significant delays to travellers as the back log disperses.
South Island State Highway 1, south of Kaikoura, is currently open between Peketa and Goose Bay but will close again this evening from 6 pm. The route between Peketa and Goose Bay will be open on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Mondays from 7 am to 6 pm and closed to traffic on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
Central Plateau Hikers and climbers who venture up Mts Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe this weekend are being warned to be aware of hidden alpine hazards. The Department of Conservation says the snowstorm would have left a number of risks including avalanches, thinly covered crevasses and thin ice. There was also a danger of covered holes concealing volcanic gas.
DOC technical adviser Dr Harry Keys said people doing the Tongariro Alpine Crossing need to be fully equipped with appropriate clothing and gear.
Hawke's Bay The MetService has issued fresh road snowfall warnings for the Desert Rd and Napier-Taupo Rd and snow is expected until 10pm. A severe weather warning has been issued for Hawke's Bay where more snow is falling on the ranges until mid-afternoon. Another 5 to 10cm are likely above 800m.
MetService warns heavy rain and southerly gales are also expected about Hawke's Bay north of Napier, Gisborne, the eastern ranges of Bay of Plenty and Taupo.
Central Plateau The 500 people snowed in at the Skotel Alpine Resort and Chateau Tongariro have been able to leave.
