Wintry conditions have made it a busy 24 hours for police throughout the South Island.
Heavy snowfalls caught a number of drivers by surprise, causing havoc on roads.
Rescued by police and forced to abandon their vehicles, the treacherous conditions were too much for some in Queenstown last night.
Their cars were towed down this morning once the Crown Range reopened.
It's the first significant snowfall of the year and it swept in suddenly yesterday afternoon.
But it was a slippery ride for drivers who were caught out before it was closed and it made it a busy night for tow trucks.
Police say chains are essential when driving Lindis Pass and SH85, between Kyeburn and Palmerton -- commonly known as the Pig Route -- because of heavy snow.
Several vehicles have already had to be pulled free after getting stuck in the snow on SH85.
Chains are also recommended on SH83 between Otematata and Kurow. Already 15mm of snow has covered the road and snow is still falling heavily.
Almost 20cm fell above 800m in some areas of Otago, and another 3cm in High Canterbury.
Another 4cm of snow down to 700m is forecast to fall in the Porters and Lindis Pass area today, but MetService says it's meant to clear after that.
Newshub.
