A spring snow dump is causing difficult driving conditions around Queenstown – but the schools remain open.

Snow dump: Coronet Peak given a much-needed covering of snow.

Queenstown Airport is technically open but no flights are either landing or taking off. More than 30 flights have been diverted this morning. The airport website is down and travellers are advised to contact airlines directly.

Parents with children at Wakatipu High School and the Remarkables, Queenstown and Arrowtown primaries should check the school websites and listen to local radio for updates. The high school and Remarkables Primary also send text messages and emails to parents.

At 3pm, the situation remains normal with regards to pick-ups. Children at all four schools will remain in class until the end of the day.

Children are expected to travel home in the usual manner and buses are running. Radio stations will broadcast updates if the start to the school day tomorrow is delayed.

Queenstown Airport spokesperson Nina Crawford says: "Our runways and facilties are open but we have no aircraft moving in or out at the moment.

"About 30 flights have been diverted. A flight from Christchurch did land this morning but it has not left yet. The situation going forward will depend on weather conditions."

The late season dump has provided a boost for skiers and snowboarders. The Remarkables received 20cm overnight and has a base layer of 70cm, while Coronet Peak received 10cm overnight and has a base layer of 52cm.

Queenstown Lakes District Council and the New Zealand Transport Authority have resources ploughing and treating roads with more snow and lower temperatures forcast overnight.

Kingston and Glenorchy roads are open but treacherous and the state highway south of Kingston between Lumsden and Athol is closed. All other routes around Queenstown are open.