Several stretches of highway are closed as cold fronts bring heavy rain, snow and ice to the South Island, with the weather system moving north over the next 48 hours.
Rain is on the cards for much of the country this week, with the wettest weather expected in the east of both the North and the South Islands, according to MetService.
A yellow heavy rain watch has been issued for Wellington, Christchurch, parts of the Canterbury Plains, eastern Marlborough, and parts of Bay of Plenty. There is a "moderate chance" of watches being upgraded for parts of Canterbury and Marlborough.
Several stretches of highway are closed as cold fronts bring heavy rain, snow and ice to the South Island. (Source: 1News)
An orange heavy rain warning remains in force for North Otago and Dunedin until 3pm tomorrow, with snow likely above 200m.
An orange heavy snow warning has been issued for the North Canterbury and South Canterbury high country until tomorrow, with a "moderate chance" of being upgraded.
There is also a moderate chance of a strong wind warning in Westland being upgraded to a red warning. A strong wind warning has also been issued for Fiordland.
MetService meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said people in the lower and central South Island have been experiencing the forecasts of "extensive" snowfall.
"This is expected to be a wide-reaching snow event, especially for farmers and road users."
Snow was measured to be around 7cm deep at one location in Tekapo this morning, with photos and video showing thick layers of snow covering homes and livestock.
Mt Cook highway could remain closed overnight - NZTA
Transport officials are continuing to warn of unplanned closures on local roads and the state highway network. Snow has closed State Highway 80 between Pukaki and Mt Cook, and State Highway 85 between Kyeburn and Palmerston.
"Given the volume of snow falling and potential for icy roads, the Mt Cook highway (State Highway 80) could remain closed overnight," an NZTA spokesperson said.
Central South Island system manager Mark Pinner said: "People should be aware that there will be travel and route changes in coming days as once the snow stops, very low temperatures could also cause issues with a return to the black ice of earlier in July."
Drivers have been urged to travel in daylight hours whenever possible and to check for restrictions on routes, such as chain requirements or towing restrictions.
Weather to move north over next 48 hours
Active fronts are expected to move north over the next 48 hours, forecasts suggest.
Makgabutlane said: "This is a developing situation, and although it’' all happening in the South Island during the early part of the week, it'll be a good idea for people in the eastern North Island to also have a close eye on the forecast."
On Thursday, there is "moderate confidence that rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria about Hawke's Bay, mainly about the hills and ranges, and low confidence about other eastern areas from Gisborne to eastern Marlborough", according to MetService.
More settled weather is expected around the country going into the weekend.
Detailed weather warning information and timings can be found on MetService's website.
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