Akmal Barikzai sent in this video of cars trying to negotiate a treacherous Taieri Rd, near Wakari Hospital. Source: ODT/Youtube
Antarctic system moves off but much of the country still icy, sparking road warnings.
The blast of polar air that pelted parts of the North Island with snow this week has started easing off - but Aucklanders are still in for the coldest night of the year this weekend.
Forecasters say much of the country will continue to shiver through single-digit lows despite the icy Antarctic weather system easing off today and tomorrow.
A ridge of high pressure moving across from the Tasman Sea should bring drier and sunnier conditions - but light winds and clear skies overnight will lead to more cold mornings across New Zealand.
In Auckland, weekend temperatures overnight could be colder than the bitter snap in June.
MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said the coldest night of the year in Auckland was on June 24, when -1C was recorded in Ardmore and the airport recorded 3C.
"We could see those numbers beaten this weekend," he said.
Early tomorrow morning, the mercury could dip to 3C in the city - but it could get even colder in other areas, with a low of 1C expected in Pukekohe.
Mr Kerr said the occurrence of such temperatures was "not every year, but not uncommon".
The cold blast brought more snow to the central and lower North Island yesterday, closing roads in a number of regions.
Wellington's hill suburbs got a light dusting of snow, while parts of Hawkes Bay and East Cape were pelted with heavy snowfalls.
"When we get snow in the Wellington hills, that means the east coast of the North Island can expect a dusting," Mr Kerr said.
The snowfall had been significant, but not in the same books as the dumping in June.
South Island skifields, such as the Remarkables, are in great shape after heavy snowfalls.
Mt Lyford in North Canterbury received 50cm of snow, Hanmer Springs received 35cm, and Coronet Peak received 15-25cm.
In the North Island, Whakapapa received 10cm of snow and Turoa received 20cm - just in time for what is shaping up to be a fantastic school holiday weekend at the skifields.
Transport authorities and police are continuing to warn motorists to be careful in the wintry conditions.
Snow and ice closed the Desert Rd between Taihape and Waiouru last night as well as SH4 north of the Tohunga Junction toward National Park and SH49 to Ohakune.
Snow earlier yesterday also closed State Highway 2 between Gisborne and Wairoa.
Weekend forecast
Auckland: Fine with southerlies easing to light winds as the weekend progresses. Low 3C (Sat), high 12C (Sat/Sun).
