There was only a light snowfall in the central city, but heavier snow flurries hit Lyttelton.
Most of the eastern suburbs, including Burwood and even New Brighton and Sumner beaches, also got a dusting.
The Port Hills and Banks Peninsula experienced heavier snowfalls, forcing temporary closures on both Dyers Pass and Summit Rds.
Banks Peninsula's State Highway 75 was closed yesterday between Little River and Duvauchelle due to snow but re-opened last night.
"Please continue to take extra care if travelling today and stay warm," Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency said.
Metservice expects the cold spell to continue into Friday, with temperatures forecast to fall as low as -3 deg C overnight in Christchurch.
By Geoff Sloan
Public Interest Journalism funded through NZ On Air
