Cyclone Gita
 

Cyclone Gita has rushed through areas of NZ causing much damage last night 20/2/2018. Please check that where you were headed is still safe to visit or that you can actually still get there! Cyclone Gita live updates: Tourists trapped, residents evacuated as bad weather leads to states of emergency in Taranaki, across South Island - NZ Herald New Zealand Herald has information and videos of the damage.
Christchurch has flooded in certain areas and some roads on the West Coast are damaged. A state of emergency is in place in 7 regions - mainly top half of South Island and North Island from Wellington to Wanganui.
The road over the Takaka Hill has massive slips so anyone planning to visit Golden Bay will have to fly in.

Thanks for posting, tasmangirl.

There's snow on Crown Range Road (and February is normally the driest and warmest month for this region):
https://www.odt.co.nz/regions/queens...it-summer-snow

Just a reminder that it's important that travelers to New Zealand prepare for cold and rain, even in summer. If you're driving from place to place, take along water and snacks (or more substantial food). While in NZ, travelers can follow the weather at Metservice and check road conditions at NZ Transport Agency.

And travel insurance is important, too>