State Highway 1 between Rangipo and Waiouru has reopened following an earlier closure due to snow.
Just after 10am, New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) said on its website that the Desert Rd had reopened following a closure around 9pm yesterday.
It followed a frosty start to the week for many, according to MetService.
"It’s a cold start, especially for those who had clear skies last night. Mount Cook plummeted to -8C, Tekapo to -5C and Queenstown -4C overnight," the forecaster said online.
"We’re now in a cold airmass so although temperatures will climb through the day it will still be on the cooler side," it said.
Highs of 12C were forecast for Auckland, Christchurch and Dunedin today, but only 9C for Wellington.
On Saturday, snow warnings were issued for parts of the central South Island's alpine passes, including the Desert Rd where MetService said 3 to 6cm could settle about the summit from Sunday morning.
These warnings have since expired, but meteorologist Gerard Bellam said the cold was due to linger in the coming days.
"We've got a good cold, wintry outbreak," Bellam said. "These temperatures are still going to be below average for this time of year."
NZTA urged motorists to plan ahead and travel with care, warning drivers to check conditions before setting out, especially on inland and alpine routes.
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