Central Otago orchardists were worried about the possibility of severe frosts overnight, as apricot and plum blossoms are at their most vulnerable in early spring.
"There could be some devastation wrought if the temperature drops to minus 4 or 5 overnight," Earnscleugh grower Harry Roberts said yesterday.
Meanwhile, Otago and Southland were feeling the effects of a spring storm which brought snow to sea level yesterday, cut power to 1000 consumers and disrupted travel.
Snow up to 50cm thick blanketed the hills around Clinton, the Owaka Valley, higher parts of West Otago, Kingston, Northern Southland, Queenstown and Alexandra yesterday morning.
While roads remained open, a truck crash outside the Frankton BP service station caused traffic to back up on State Highway 6 for several hours, police said.
The conditions caused many minor and non-injury accidents as snowplough drivers worked overtime to clear roads, particularly in Queenstown and Northern Southland.
PowerNet general manager operations Gary Pritchard said severe wind on Monday caused electricity to be disrupted to 3100 Otago and Southland customers and a further 1000 that night.
The worst affected areas were Otatara, Riverton, Ohai, Makarewa, Lochiel, Waikiwi and Kelso, with all power restored by noon yesterday.
Farmers spent Monday shifting stock and preparing for the cold snap and most were well-prepared for the snow early yesterday.
Scott and Kylie Anderson, of Braeview farm, near Clinton, said the snow was not as bad as last year, and farmers had plenty of warning about the cold snap.
"A lot of our ewes aren't due until next week but the cold weather seems to make them lamb early."
Under the thin layer of snow there was plenty of grass for stock, and Mr Anderson did not expect to have to put out much extra feed.
Mike McElrea, of Moa Flat, said higher areas received an estimated 5cm although most areas on his farm only got a "light skiff".
Snow showers hit most of Central Otago yesterday, with occasional blizzard-like conditions clearing to sunshine. At times, a coating of about 3cm of snow blanketed much of the district but roads remained clear during the day.
The snowcaused 28 flights to be delayed or diverted at Queenstown Airport yesterday due to the adverse weather and unsafe visual conditions. Both Air NZ and Jetstar were scheduling extra services for today.
Snow was falling again across the Wakatipu basin last night.
State Highway 94, Te Anau-Milford Sound, was closed by the New Zealand Transport Agency yesterday until further notice, with at least six avalanches along the Milford road.
Downer general manager John Robson said about 10cm of snow fell in Te Anau with about 20cm either side of Gorge Hill, between Mossburn and Te Anau.
"Right into Te Anau is completely blanketed with snow ... it's been snowing through the day.
Meanwhile, NZTA issued advisories yesterday afternoon for chains to be carried at State Highway 6 from Frankton to Queenstown, and Arrow Junction to Kingston.
Extreme care was also urged for motorists travelling between Athol and Lumsden.
The Remarkables skifieldestimated it had received 70cm in 36 hours and ,Coronet Peak had over 10cm of snow yesterday.
Cardrona has had an extra 20cm in t 36 hours and Treble Cone got 15cm in a 12-hour period.
