A major highway north from Dunedin and a stretch of State Highway 1 in the Central Plateau are closed to vehicles this morning due to snow.
Most of State Highway 87 between Sutton and Outram is shut, the NZTA said.
The Desert Road stretch of State Highway One across the Central Plateau also remains closed this morning, because of snow.
It's been closed since late yesterday afternoon.
A snow plough and other contractors were brought in to clear the road and allow trapped trucks and cars to get through.
Some made their way out without help but others had to be towed.
Heavy snow on Saturday caused major disruptions across the country, delaying flights, closing roads and making driving treacherous.
And the icy chill is not over yet.
Severe weather watches are in place for Wairarapa, including the Tararua district, until mid-morning today and in Hawke's Bay and Gisborne until mid-afternoon.
Snow fell as far north as the Desert Rd yesterday, closing the highway early last night while parts of the South Island experienced a chilly start to the weekend as white powder blanketed the countryside.
Several cars were stuck in the snowy conditions on the Desert Rd and many others pulled over to wait for help.
Police warned people to delay travel if possible or go through Napier or New Plymouth.
Flights in and out of Queenstown were cancelled or delayed yesterday while others were put on hold while staff worked to clear snow off the tarmac.
The heavy dumping of snow also saw the New Zealand Transport Agency warning drivers to take extra care on several State Highways in the deep south, telling motorists chains must be carried.
Farmers were also urged to check on livestock.
Looking cold for the sheep in Oturehua (400m). Thanks to Renee Matheson for the pic. ^TA pic.twitter.com/9munKymhLW
— MetService (@MetService) May 19, 2017
But the wild weather was a promising sight for skiers with snow falling on Mt Ruapehu for the first time this year as well as further south at Coronet Peak and on the Remarkables.
If all goes to plan, Whakapapa ski field will open on June 10 and Turoa on July 1. In the South Island, Mt Hutt ski area is scheduled to open on June 9, the Remarkables the following day, and Coronet Peak on June 17.
MetService meteorologist Nicole Ranger said clear weather was on the way for most of the country as a ridge pushed on from the west, however the cold snap would continue into the week.
Icy temperatures were expected to drop even lower than last night, tonight, with the likes of Queenstown plummeting to -3C.
Looking ahead
Whangarei
Sunday: High 16C, low 5C. Partly cloudy with chances of showers, fine from late afternoon. Southerlies dying out.
Monday: High 15C, low 7C. Mainly fine, possible morning frosts.
Tuesday: High 16C, low 8C. Partly cloudy.
Auckland
Sunday: High 14C, low 3C. Partly cloudy with chances of showers, then becoming fine. Southwesterlies dying out.
Monday: High 14C, low 5C. Fine. Possible morning frosts.
Tuesday: High 15C, low 9C. Partly cloudy.
Hamilton
Sunday: High 12C, low -2C. Crisp, clear day with morning frosts.
Monday: High 13C, low -1C. Crisp, clear day with morning frosts.
Tuesday: High 14C, low 4C. Mostly cloudy.
Wellington
Sunday: High 10C, low 6C. Often cloudy, chance of shower until evening. Strong southerlies gradually dying out.
Monday: High 13C. Low 10C. Mainly fine. Northerlies becoming strong later.
Tuesday: High 14C, low 9C. Mostly cloudy. Strong northerlies easing.
Christchurch
Sunday: High 10C, low -1C. A few showers, clearing in the afternoon. Southwesterlies dying out.
Monday: High 12C, low 0C. Fine with morning frosts. Northeasterlies developing.
Tuesday: High 15C, low 2C. Fine with high cloud. Northeasterlies dying out.
Queenstown
Sunday: High 8C, low -3C. Mainly fine with early frosts, chance of a morning shower. Southerlies dying out in the morning.
Monday: High 9C, low 1C. Fine with morning frosts. Westerlies developing in afternoon.
Tuesday: High 13C, low 3C. Cloudy periods, chance of showers. Westerlies dying out.
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