Photo: RNZ
Several highways around the South Island were closed due to snow and road snowfall warnings are in place for the lower and central North Island.
The MetService says the worst of the wintry blast is now behind the South Island.
South Island
Snow has fallen on Christchurch's Port Hills and Banks Peninsula as a polar blast swept up the country.
Port Hills in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
People in the city's hill suburbs have been posting photos and videos to social media showing gardens dusted in snow.
Port Hills in Christchurch. Photo: Supplied / Moya Carrothers
There were also light flurries in the city, but nothing settled on the ground.
Port Hills in Christchurch. Photo: RNZ / Nate McKinnon
State Highway 75 from Little River to Duvauchelle remains closed.
In Dunedin. Photo: RNZ/Tess Brunton
Snow blanketed Dunedin's hill suburbs overnight leading to chaos on the city's roads this morning.
In Dunedin. Photo: RNZ/Tess Brunton
In the Tasman and Marlborough regions, State Highways 6 and 65 are also closed.
In Dunedin. Photo: RNZ / Tessa Brunton
North Island
Road snowfall warnings are in place for the Central Plateau and Remutaka Hill.
Remutaka Hill Road SH2 has a road snowfall warning till 11pm tonight.
Chateau Tongariro Hotel. Photo: RNZ / Danielle Clent
Desert Road has now reopened after ice had closed it earlier in the day.
MetService forecasts up to 6cm of snow may accumulate on the road until 7pm. Snow flurries are expected till Friday morning bringing a further 2-4cm of snow.
In Tongariro. Photo: RNZ / Danielle Clent
Snow is expected to settle on the Napier-Taupō Road, State Highway 5, this evening.
Waka Kotahi is urging drivers to be extra cautious, with MetService forecasting snow down to 600 metres between 4pm and 10pm, and up to 3cm of snow expected to settle on the highway itself.
Roading contractors will be posted along the road to ensure a quick response to any issues, and snow ploughs are on standby.