A man who died in an accident near Waiouru early yesterday morning was named Alan Noel Harris of Palmerston North.
The 59-year-old died when his car left SH49 at Tangiwai.
He was the sole occupant of the car and was killed when his vehicle left the road and hit a tree.
Police said the vehicle was heading towards Waiouru when it is believed to have veered off the road about 3.30am.
No other vehicle is thought to have been involved in the crash, police said.
Emergency services attended the accident but the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
The highway was restricted to one lane for about an hour after the crash.
It had been snowing and hailing, but police could not say at this stage if the weather was a factor in the crash.
However, authorities urged motorists to take extra care driving across the Central Plateau and be mindful of conditions.
Waiouru Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances around the crash alongside the Serious Crash Unit.
The death has now been referred to the Coroner.