Flights cancelled as conditions deteriorate in south, Desert Road motorists warned to avoid travel as polar blast hits

Home / New ZealandUpdatedNatasha GordonLive News Reporter·NZ Herald·31 Jul, 2026 04:08 AM4 mins to read‌MetService morning weather update: July 31, 2026. Video / MetServiceTwo flights into Queenstown have been cancelled, and motorists are being advised to avoid travelling on the North Island’s Desert Road overnight as a snow-charged polar blast sweeps up the country. A powerful southerly change is moving across New Zealand, bringing strong winds, bone-chilling conditions and dumping snow to AdvertisementAdvertise with NZME.