Grim weekend in store as new cold fronts hit

New Zealand faces a bitter winter weekend with a cold front blasting up the South Island.

Residents in Canterbury, where thousands last night endured their fifth night without power, were warned to stock up on essential items as the front approached.

MetService forecaster Bob Lake said a front was moving over Southland last night and another would hit tomorrow.

"That will bring a brief period of showers in Canterbury today with some snow showers, but it won't be as bad as Monday.

"There is a risk of more snow in inland parts of Canterbury late Sunday."

The North Island could expect some westerly showers today which could bring snow to the central plateau.

Auckland can expect unpleasant weather today and tomorrow with gusty southwesterlies forecast.

"It will be quite showery and cold, with a few thunderstorms and a bit of hail."

Defence Force personnel ferried generators and fuel, stock feed and mountain radios around snowbound Canterbury areas yesterday, helping restore communications ahead of the predicted storm.

Canterbury civil defence spokesman Jon Mitchell said the threat of the latest weather forecast was being taken seriously, especially by the community.

While roads were now passable in most areas, thousands of people in rural areas were still without electricity and residents were being urged to stock up on supplies, he said.

"We are advising people to prepare for seven days of essentials."

Mr Mitchell said a house which burned to the ground in Ashburton yesterday because fire services could not reach it due to the snow served as a warning to people.

Between 1000 and 1500 properties were still without power in South Canterbury yesterday, with about 3000 waiting to be reconnected in Mid Canterbury.