Icy roads in Dunedin's hill suburbs on Thursday morning. Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
Sub-zero temperatures in southern parts of the country are a reminder to take care on the roads, Fire and Emergency (FENZ) said on Thursday.
Southern fire crews attended three crashes related to icy conditions before 6.30am.
MetService reported temperatures in the negatives across the South Island and in parts of the lower North Island.
Timaru dipped below -4C, while Queenstown was -3C just ahead of 7am.
Icy roads affected Dunedin hill suburbs for the second day in a row, Photo: RNZ / Tess Brunton
Dunedin schools started late again as icy conditions gripped the city for a second day, opening at 10am. Severe ice affected some bus routes in the city.
In the North Island, Masterton was reporting temperatures nearing -2 at about 6am.
FENZ spokesperson Daryl Ball said crews responded to a light truck that ended up on its side in slippery conditions near Ravensbourne, Christchurch at about 5.30am. Two other crashes attributed to the conditions were also attended.
He said ice was widespread on southern roads, and could linger well into the morning.
"Don't assume that because it looks good it's safe. There is ice absolutely everywhere this morning," Ball said.
A police spokesperson said there were no reports of serious injuries in weather-related incidents.
"Please - slow down, watch your following distance and use your headlights. We want everyone to get where they're going safely this morning."
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