People in parts of the South Island woke to one of the coldest mornings of the year, with sub-zero temperatures in the centre and south.
The cold weather was caused by a ridge of high pressure bringing clear skies and light winds overnight. Photo: 123rf / Eleonora Vatel
Tekapo dropped to a chilly - 8.2C at 7am, MetService said.
Dunedin Airport was -7.1C, Timaru was at - 5.9C and Lewis Pass recorded - 4.6C.
MetService meteorologist Ashlee Parkes said the cold weather was caused by a ridge of high pressure bringing clear skies and light winds overnight.
"So lots of very cool temperatures in the central and south South Island."
Parkes said those conditions were set to continue for the lower South Island on Thursday.
Niwa reported Ranfurly at -9.3C at 8am.
The North Island also had some cold temperatures, with Taumarunui on -3.1 at 7am.
Gisborne Civil Defence is advising Tolaga Bay residents to avoid the coastline, with swells expected to rise to up to 4.5m around the area.
Boat users are advised to stay off the water and residents are being warned to stay away from Tolaga Bay wharf with waves reported to be crashing over it.
Civil defence said high swells were also causing minor coastal erosion in and around the Tairāwhiti region.
The high swells are expected to continue tomorrow with waves potentially reaching 6m.