With schools about to dismiss for the spring holidays, wild weather lashing parts of the South Island couldn't have come at a worse time.
A state of emergency has been declared in both Southland and tourist hotspot Queenstown as heavy rain causes flooding in the area. Meanwhile, roads in central Otago have been closed due to snowfall.
Fortunately, for those booked to fly to severe weather-hit destinations, they can change their flights for free, if they wish, so the downpours don't put a damper on their spring break.
Travellers booked to fly to or from Invercargill, Queenstown or Dunedin can change their flight date and location domestically for the next week for free, however, fare differences may apply, Air NZ has announced.
Air NZ's general manager of domestic Iain Walker said the airline is communicating directly with customers who have booked to travel to destinations impacted by the severe weather to let them know about flexibility policies in place for the region.
"We know customers will be eager to keep their travel plans in place and the good news is our flights haven't been impacted by weather so far," Walker said.
Air NZ has added flexibility to flights in the region for the next week, meaning customers with travel booked to or from Queenstown, Invercargill, or Dunedin can change their flights with reduced fees, or choose to place them in credit for use in the next 12 months.
"While our network is busy over the school holiday period, we do have capacity for customers to change their flights, should they wish to do so," Walker said.
Earlier this week, Air NZ had to cancel six flights to and from Dunedin and delayed two outbound flights due to strong wind gusts in the city.
