Road snowfall warnings have been issued for several South Island highways as a low-pressure system bears down on the country.
MetService said the system was set to bring heavy rain to many areas from Wednesday, especially northern and central parts of the country.
"Strong winds will follow, with a risk of severe gales for eastern parts of the North Island on Thursday and Friday."
MetService meteorologist John Law said the weather was the result of low pressure pushing rain across from Northland west to the Bay of Plenty, while another front was moving up the country from the South Island - bringing colder air and the risk of some snowfall over the higher mountain passes in the South Island on Thursday morning..
In the South, road snowfall warnings are in place for the Lindis Pass (State Highway 8) the Crown Range Road and the Milford Road (SH94). Further north, Arthur's, Lewis and Porters Passes are also under road snow warnings.
In the North Island, many places are under rain warnings today, and ferry operators have warned that disruption is likely due to rough conditions.
Strong winds and large swells, including throughout the Cook Strait, are expected until Saturday.
Interislander and Bluebridge are monitoring the weather, and say trips may have to be delayed or cancelled if conditions worsen.
- Allied Media/RNZ
