KEY POINTS:
While the rest of us were looking forward to a holiday weekend, staff of Heletranz joined up to 100 other helicopter pilots providing frost protection for the grapes that will become next year's vintage.
Managing director Tony Monk dispatched two aircraft to Marlborough and expected to have to send them back to the wine region tonight.
The helicopters' heavy blades provide the down draft that keeps delicate vines from freezing - a job sparked by the cold blast that swept up the South Island yesterday and threatens to send a shiver through the North Island today.
Mr Monk said: "If they get one frost, that could kill the whole year's production."
Heletranz is also ready to send helicopters to Hawkes Bay if the cold weather continues up the country.
Meanwhile, police yesterday issued a warning to motorists that cold southwesterlies could dump snow on the Desert Road overnight. They urged drivers to take care on the roads during what is traditionally a busy holiday weekend for motorists.
There was an upside yesterday for drivers: major fuel firms reversed price rises imposed this week.
Snow fell in the South Island, after a cold southerly swept through.
The road to Milford Sound was re-opened after a slip caused by an earthquake was cleared.
Road access to the tourist drawcard was cut on Tuesday when an avalanche swept a 25m-wide wall of boulders, rock and mud across both lanes of the highway near the Divide and Lower Hollyford Road.
The MetService predicted "vigorous" spring westerlies over the long weekend.
Today is likely to be fine but cool in most places.
However, those travelling in northern Hawkes Bay and Gisborne will probably encounter cold, showery southerlies.
West-to-southwest conditions will dominate NZ this weekend, while eastern areas from Bay of Plenty to Canterbury should be fine and mild.
Cloudy and cool conditions are forecast in western areas, with showers from time to time.
Winds are expected to be strong by tomorrow afternoon. "Travellers to stay in touch with the weather forecasts," national forecast centre manager Peter Kreft said. To call the centre for more information, phone (04) 470-0806.
