Desert Rd re-opens as weather improves

The Desert Road re-opened this morning after heavy snow last night closed it for the second time this week.

Snow has also cleared from South Island roads and the MetService has lifted all its snow and severe gale warnings for the country.

A police spokeswoman earlier said it was not known when the road between Turangi and Waiouru could be reopened.

Traffic was being diverted through the National Park.

The MetService said on their website that a low was deepening east of the North Island and more snow was expected until midday today through the middle and east coast of the island.

In most of those areas, about 15cm was expected above 800m, the website earlier said.

The ranges north of Hawke's Bay were expected to see about 30cm of snow.

The Automobile Association was advising South Island drivers to take care as snow was covering most roads and travellers should ensure they were carrying chains.

- NZPA