Snow falling to low levels across parts of the South Island has closed sections of state highways to the north and west of Dunedin and prompted warnings for motorists this morning.
Heavy snow has closed the Dunedin to Waitati Highway (State Highway 1), while State Highway 87 is closed from Outram to Middlemarch.
Road snowfall warnings remain in place for Remutaka Hill Rd (State Highway 2), Lewis and Porters Passes and the Crown Range Rd.
Cook Strait travellers faced disruption, with Interislander sailings cancelled for Tuesday and Bluebridge also cancelling several sailings for Tuesday and Wednesday.
Mount Cook is currently the coldest spot in the country, sitting at just -2.3C.
Snow and icy roads could disrupt travel early this week before bitterly cold mornings settle in across much of New Zealand. (Source: 1News)
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The wintry blast is expected to intensify before easing later this week, with forecasters warning Thursday morning could be the coldest of the year for many parts of the country.
Meteorologists say frigid air flowing directly off the Antarctic ice sheet is driving the cold snap, bringing snow to low levels across parts of the South Island on Tuesday before clearer skies and lighter winds allow temperatures to plummet overnight.
MetService has forecast temperatures well below average on Thursday morning, with Hamilton expected to fall to -5C and Whitianga to -3C. Even parts of Auckland could see temperatures near or below freezing inland.
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