Ice has caused treacherous conditions on the roads in the lower South Island this morning, prompting flight delays and road closures.
Queenstown Airport Photo: Queenstown Airport
Police warned motorists to take extra care around Otago and Southland today.
Black ice had closed two sections of State Highway 6, between Frankton and Lake Hayes and between Cromwell and Queenstown.
Light drizzle was freezing on the roads making conditions extremely dangerous, police said.
An accident early this morning, in which a van with six people on board rolled near Clinton in Southland, was believed to have been caused by ice.
Police said two people were airlifted to hospital, and the remaining four occupants were taken to hospital by ambulance.
Ice on the runway at Queenstown Airport had also caused all flight arrivals and departures to be delayed, with the first flight of the day departing a short time ago.
The backlog of passengers at the airport was expected to take some time to clear.
Schools throughout the Queenstown-Lakes District delayed opening this morning, with problems on all school bus routes.