-
Related
The effect of this week's cold snap has prompted police to issue two rare warnings.
Motorists are being warned that ice is not thawing out at any time during the day in southern parts of the South Island.
The worst affected areas are in Central Otago and Southland, around Queenstown and Wanaka, and through the passes.
A police spokesperson says over the last few days they have been getting reports of cars sliding off the road throughout the day and night.
And police have issued a warning to ice skaters using Lake Lyndon for their hobby.
The lake is around 70 kilometres inland from Christchurch, and for he first time in many years the entire lake surface is frozen.
As many as 100 people have been skating on the lake, but Inspector Brian Buck says the depth of the ice has not been tested so they should not venture more than 15 metres from shore.
There are signs warning skaters about the risks.
