KEY POINTS:
Roads were closed across the country last night as the big chill returned.
State Highway 2 over the Rimutaka Ranges north of Wellington was shut by snow and sleet.
Sergeant Bruce Mackay said motorists were struggling with the dangerous surface and were being escorted by roadworks staff.
A truck and trailer also jack-knifed, causing further issues.
The road had been shut at 8am yesterday, after 20 minutes of heavy snow, before reopening at 1pm.
In the South Island, several Christchurch and Banks Peninsula roads remained closed after heavy snow yesterday morning.
A Christchurch City Council spokesman said care was needed on all roads. The Christchurch summit road was closed in three places, and Okains Bay Rd from Duvauchelle to Okains Bay, on Banks Peninsula, had closed.
Tony Stuart, who lives on the Cashmere Hills, said it was cold and white and Christchurch people were tired of winter.
"I have had a gutsful of the weather," he said.
The MetService said snow showers were expected on Rimutaka Rd until early this morning.
Another 20-40mm was likely to fall before 6am, with up to 80mm in some areas.
MetService weather ambassador Bob McDavitt said frost and black ice was expected across much of the South Island today.
