Much of the South Island and central North Island were cloaked in frost this morning after temperatures plunged below zero overnight.
The country shivered through a night that had a distinctly winter feel in many regions that experienced freezing temperatures.
Alexandra was the coolest town dropping to just under -3degC before 6am, and Christchurch recorded a bone-chilling -2.5degC.
Blenheim was just half a degree warmer on -2degC and Ashburton -1degC.
The lower half of the North Island kept above zero but only just: Taupo recorded 1degC, Masterton 2.3degC and Rotorua and Palmerston North are on 3degC.
The warmest spot was in Northland, where hangarei is on 8.2degC.
MetService warned the country would be in the grip of hard frosts for the next couple of nights.
Although the South Island bore the brunt of the freezing temperatures last night, the rest of the country was expected to have their coldest night tonight.
MetService said the country could expect fine weather during the day and chilly temperatures at night as a ridge moved over the country this week.
Meteorologist Tom Adams said winds would be calm, the air cool and skies clear - therefore bringing overnight frosts.
"Temperatures rise on Wednesday, as northerlies pick up.
"But until cloud builds at the end of the week, it would still be a wise idea for gardeners to protect their spring seedlings and for motorists to be wary of ice on the roads.''
Today's forecast:
Auckland: Fine, light winds. 15degC
Hamilton: Fine, light winds, afternoon southwesterlies. 14degC
Tauranga: Fine, afternoon showers. Light winds. 15degC
Wellington: Showers, fine after lunch. Southerly dying out. 10degC
Christchurch: Frosty, fine. Light winds. 13degC
Dunedin: Frosty, fine. Light winds. 13degC
