Tens of thousands of people were left without power and hundreds forced to flee their homes and camping spots after wild weather battered the South Island.
People have been forced to flee homes and camping spots, and a boat has washed ashore hampering rescue efforts as wild weather battered the South Island overnight.
Tens of thousands are without power this morning and snow is falling in southern regions.
At Dobson, on the West Coast, a trampolinewas picked up and thrown into a powerline, sparking a fire in a transformer.
Katrina Williams and Zachary Williams enjoy the snow in Kingston this morning. Photo / Warren Williams
Roads are closed, blocked by toppled trees and snow drifts, and roofing iron has peeled off homes by storm-force gales.
In the Nelson region freedom campers were forced to flee their Mapua spot when a large storm surge left them stranded in knee-deep water.
The storm has caused major power cuts on the West Coast, Nelson, Marlborough and parts of the South Island's east coast early this morning, says Fire Emergency NZ southern communication's Ian Littlejohn.
"Thankfully there were no reports of injuries."
In the Nelson suburbs of Tahunanui and Monaco firefighters responded to reports of sea surge but were forced to continue on foot when they found Martin St blocked by a catamaran, Littlejohn said.
The NZTA has warned motorists of strong winds on the Rimutaka Hill this morning.
Biggest numbers
• Maximum wind gust: 154kmh at Mt Kaukau in Wellington; • Most rain in an hour: 33mm at Mt Taranaki, • 20cm of snow recorded at the Homer Tunnel, Fiordland.
