Coated in white

As shown in this view from Coronet Peak yesterday, the Wakatipu area bore the brunt of snow and wild weather which resulted in school closures and disruption to public transport, roads and flights.

Several minor collisions were reported early yesterday morning.

The wintry blast, which closed the Crown Range Rd overnight, seems set to continue into the weekend.

The cold front was good news for Queenstown and Wanaka's skifields which had extra powder before the ski season, due to start next month.