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The central North Island is expected to bear the brunt of a very cold front tonight, with heavy snowfalls expected from Hunterville on the southern foothills of the Central Plateau to the summit of the Desert Road.
The MetService has also issued a severe weather warning for Banks Peninsula, east of Christchurch, while a snow warning for Southland and eastern Otago has been lifted.
South Island motorists were being advised to be wary of icy roads at least until tomorrow afternoon.
Farmers should also ensure that vulnerable stock had shelter tonight, the MetService said. The cold conditions would be stressful to stock in the open.
A cold southerly was expected to bring snow to around 400 metres in the central and southern North Island tonight, including Mt Taranaki and the Rimutaka Hill Road.
Motorists were advised to check road conditions before travelling.
As at 6.20pm, the AA Roadwatch website was not reporting any roads closed by poor weather.
Bluebridge Cook Strait ferry spokeswoman Wendy Pannett said the service had cancelled two sailings due to rough seas today.
One Bluebridge ship requested a tug to assist with berthing in the strong Wellington winds.
An Interislander spokesman said all its ferries had been running today, although there had been some delays.
Winter weather blocked roads in the North and South Islands today.
In the North Island, heavy snow caused police to close the Desert Road this morning, but it was reopened at 9.30am.
In the South Island, Dunedin police were kept busy by snow, rain and hail in and around the city.
Police said driving conditions in the city's hill suburbs were treacherous and urged motorists not to use the routes unless absolutely necessary.
Three Mile Hill Rd has been closed indefinitely, while the Northern Motorway is open to light vehicles only.
Senior Sergeant Mel Aitken said there had been a series of minor crashes throughout the morning.
She said she was fed up with some motorists ignoring barriers in the interests of fun, putting innocent people at risk.
Canterbury Regional Emergency Management office manager Jon Mitchell said strong winds and very cold weather were expected over the next couple of days and people needed to be ready.
"Heavy rains have already caused significant flooding in South Canterbury in the last few days and this weather system may cause more issues, he said.
Mr Mitchell said people should stock up on food, water, fuel, alternative lighting and other emergency supplies.
"We saw what happened in 2006 with damage to power lines and telecommunications."
Wind gusts earlier brought down a tree, blocking State Highway 75 near Akaroa in Canterbury. The tree fell across the between Little River and the Hill Top.
- NZPA, NEWSTALK ZB
