The tunnel closes without warning for avalanche control blasting — typically 1–3h wait. March is shoulder season so risk is lower than winter but still real. Check status before departing Te Anau. Fill up in Te Anau (no fuel at Milford). No cell coverage for most of the road.

Most likely closure on your whole route. Heavy rain (common in March) causes slips and washouts — can close for hours or days. Fill tank completely in Wānaka. Carry water and food. Blue Pools / Thunder Creek Falls make good stops but add time — don't push into darkness.

SH80 runs 55km up the Tasman Valley — dead-end, same road in and out. Closes in severe weather or flooding (happened several times in 2024/25). Check status before committing to the drive. No fuel at Mt Cook Village — fill at Twizel or Tekapo.

Late March is generally fine but snow is possible above 900m. The Otira Gorge section is narrow and twisting. Bealey Bridge section occasionally closes for repairs. If coming from the West Coast, check conditions at Greymouth i-SITE before heading over.

6.5h is a big day. Consider splitting overnight in Wānaka. The stretch from Te Anau to Queenstown (SH6) is well-maintained but busy with campervans. Queenstown to Wānaka has good passing opportunities.