The Mountain Safety Council is warning people to keep off some popular mountain ranges because of the risk of avalanches.
Mount Ruapehu, seen from the road leading up to the Whakapapa Village Photo: RNZ / Alison Ballance
The council said a long period of fine weather had caused weak layers beneath the most recent snow and there was a danger it could trigger an avalanche.
Seven backcountry regions were at risk; including Tongariro, Taranaki, Nelson Lakes, Canterbury, MacKenzie, Southern Lakes and Fiordland.
The risk in Fiordland was described as being high.
People planning on back country skiing and snowboarding are advised to be careful, or avoid the areas altogether until conditions improve.