A wintry blast is making its way north. Several weather watches and warnings are in place. Video / Southern Stringers
A wintry blast which battered the South Island over night is now making its way north, with several weather watches and warnings in place.
MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said conditions across the South Island had eased.
"However, places like Southland and south of the Canterbury Plains will all still experience some snow showers throughout the course of the weekend, more persistently around Southland, Clutha and Dunedin areas.
"But things are going to be easing for those guys over the next day or so."
The North Island was now catching the brunt of the bad weather, Mr Kerr said.
"Those features that were giving the South Island some grief last night and this morning are moving north across the central North Island.
Lake Ohau and the Mackenzie Basin is blanketed with snow this morning. Photo / Sarah Ivey.
Snow on the front lawn at Glentanner Station, Mackenzie Basin. Photo / Sarah Ivey.
Sam Horrocks skis off the top of Ohau Ski Area in 40cm of fresh snow today. Photo / Sarah Ivey.
"We might see some snow down to about 400 metres in places, particularly around central North Islands areas."We have watches in place across all the central North Island High Country and places like the Hawkes Bay ranges... and the Gisborne ranges as well."
There was also the possibility of some snow showers affecting the ranges between Taupo and Rotorua, and even the eastern Bay of Plenty.
"That's this evening and into tomorrow morning, and the easing trend then starts tomorrow morning across most of the North Island."
Meanwhile, SH4 had reopened, after a car and a trailer crashed at the Manganuioteao Bridge earlier today
Chaos on the roads
Police are asking motorists who don't have to travel to stay at home, with more snow forecast for the high country down to 500 metres tonight and to 200 metres tomorrow. Photo / Supplied
All three passes into the West Coast - Arthur's, Lewis and Haast - were closed overnight due to snow.
Arthur's Pass reopened about 10am today, but motorists were warned that chains were essential.
This morning, The New Zealand Transport Agency said all vehicles on the passes were removed last night, and passengers were taken to safety.
Transport Agency journey manager Lee Wright said police, along with contractors from Otira, did a final sweep before leaving the area.
"The Lewis Pass has 400mm of snow and a very heavy snow burden on the trees. It is estimated that some of the 'snow bombs' are up to three-quarters of a tonne so no work can be done in these areas until they fall.
"When they fall they are likely to bring down trees and tree branches that will have to be cleared before the road can reopen. The weather is fine and sunny which will help with clearing operations. However, it may also be icy which may delay reopening until mid morning or later.
"The contractors worked on the Rahu Saddle all night clearing trees."
Meanwhile, Canterbury police warned motorists to take extra care on the region's roads as snow continued to fall.
Speeds on state highways were down to 60 km/h as areas south of Ashburton, and inland to the alps, got a dusting.
Police were asking motorists who did not have to travel to stay at home, with more snow forecast for the high country down to 500 metres tonight and to 200 metres tomorrow.
