Flight to Queenstown turned back to Auckland mid-flight due to blizzards

Blizzards and heavy snowfall have led to at least two flights being turned away from Queenstown Airport.

Queenstown Airport’s website reported two incoming flights had been cancelled on Wednesday night, one from Christchurch and one from Auckland.

A passenger on the flight messaged the Marcus Lush show on Newstalk ZB saying they had been turned around mid-flight and sent back to Auckland.

There have also been two outgoing flights cancelled this morning.

Multiple flights have been cancelled at Queenstown Airport due to the weather. Photo / Mike Scott

A heavy snow watch has been issued for Canterbury High Country, Central Otago, Clutha, Dunedin, North Otago, Southern Lakes and Southland.

Snow has started to settle in Southland yesterday afternoon as the first taste of winter begins to bite.

About 10cm of snow has settled on State Highway 94 at Gorge Hill, between Mossburn and Te Anau.

Waka Kotahi said some drivers had already become stuck and required assistance.

- Additional reporting ODT