A kea was spotted pushing a snowball across Arthur's Pass on Thursday to the delight of one coach driver.

In a rare departure from pulling rubber off tourists and skiers' cars, a kea has been spotted making a snowball in Canterbury.

The driver of a coach making its way through Arthur's Pass spotted the intelligent parrot pushing a snowball across the snow-covered road on Thursday.

"Every now and then, travelling through the mountains, one gets to see some marvellous sights – today was one of those days," a post on the West Coast Shuttle Facebook page said.

WEST COAST SHUTTLES The alpine parrot made the most of the spring snow.

"When travelling through the pass with snow chains on my tyres … there in front of me was a kea … rolling a snowball across the road."

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Arthur's Pass was open on Thursday despite being blanketed with snow. The New Zealand Transport Agency advised chains were essential and the road was closed to towing vehicles.

The same restrictions applied on Friday with more snow expected to fall throughout the weekend.

Keas were well-known for their playful, if not obnoxious, behaviour. Recent research also showed they excelled at teamwork and had a contagious laugh.

A particular Kea's shriek was played to various parrots, which researchers said seemed to trigger an inherent sense of playfulness.