At least 50 people have spent the night in Arthur’s Pass after being stranded due to heavy snowfall.

Footage shows several vehicles stuck near Porters Pass, but they were eventually rescued.

A police spokeswoman told chrislynchmedia.com that vehicles with chains, which could be safely escorted, were taken down to Springfield.

The occupants of vehicles that couldn’t be moved were helped with arranging accommodation.

Police continue to urge motorists to consider delaying travel today.

They strongly suggest checking NZTA’s journey planner before embarking on travel to ensure the roads you intend to travel are still open.