Coronet Peak gets ready for snowy season

Coronet Peak Ski Area Manager Nigel Kerr with his snow dog, Oscar, in about 20cm of snow at the base building of Coronet Peak. Photo / Coronet Peak

Fluffy layers of snow have already begun to fall around the south of the country with Coronet Peak copping a powdery layer.

Flights in and out of Queenstown Airport resumed this morning after heavy snow, but travellers were warned to expect delays throughout the day.

Snow on the runway caused flights to be put on hold, with many roads closed for the same reason.

One of the braziers on the base building deck, that will be lit when night skiing commences. Photo / Coronet Peak

Warnings on the airport website said roads around the airport were icy and extra care was needed.

Coronet Peak spokesperson Frederique Gulcher said the conditions up the mountain look set for great snow making overnight to add to the thick base layer.

The Wakatipu Basin this afternoon with its light dusting of snow. Photo / Coronet Peak

The ski field, which is a 25 minute drive from downtown Queenstown, is due to open on June 17. As well as regular skiing during the day, Coronet Peak will launch night skiing on Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights in July.

The heavy dumping of snow also brought warnings for all the main passes, and the Dunedin to Waitati Highway.

Heavy snow warnings were also in place for parts of Otago and Southland, and there are watches from Hawke's Bay to Canterbury.

Tom Adams from Metservice said it was "absolutely freezing" with visibility and icy roads causing hazards.

Drivers were warned to take extra care and farmers to check on livestock.

"There are a few roads closed so we would urge people to check the NZTA website before heading out," Adams said.