Heavy snow is forecast for storm-battered regions in the South Island and in the central North Island on Thursday as the country freezes in another cold snap.
A trough was due to hit the country later on Wednesday, bringing rain to most places and bitterly cold weather.
It's bad news for regions hit hard by recent storms. The south of the country was still mopping up from extensive flooding at the weekend.
More than 40 properties around Mangaweka were still without power nearly two weeks after snow toppled poles and lines in the central North Island.
MetService warns heavy snow was expected to fall to 300m in waterlogged Canterbury and North Otago, and to 700m in the central high country of the North Island.
The misery continues with heavy rain falling flood-hit eastern districts of the South Island.
A heavy rain warning had been issued for southern Westland and a road snowfall warning was in force for the Milford Road. MetService said up to 5cm of snow could fall on the key tourist highway on Wednesday.
A heavy rain and snow watch had been issued for North Otago, Christchurch and Canterbury.
In parts of North Otago and Canterbury, more than 50mm was expected to fall from Thursday morning on already sodden ground.
Heavy snow was expected to fall down to 300m across inland Canterbury on Thursday afternoon and into the evening.
MetService warned significant snowfalls were expected above 500m and were likely to affect alpine passes and cause problems for livestock.
On Friday the front crosses the North Island with gales likely to buffet Wellington.
The weekend starts on a crisp, cool note with bitterly cold air, clear skies and light winds in the south which eventually spreads north by Sunday before the next round of bad weather hits next week.
