Heavy rain, snow and strong wind warnings have been issued across parts of the country for Sunday, as an "active front" brings potentially severe weather to the first weekend of the school holidays.
The worst of the weather was expected across Canterbury and the lower North Island, with severe gales, heavy rain and significant snowfall forecast.
Wellington was under a severe wind warning from 7am until noon tomorrow, with gusts of up to 120km/h possible in exposed areas.
The Tararua Range was forecast to receive between 60mm and 90mm of rain from 5am until 3pm, with winds of up to 120kph also possible.
MetService warned the conditions could bring flooding and damage to trees and roadside structures.
Strong wind warnings were also in place for Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay until 4pm on Sunday.
Meanwhile, a heavy snow warning was issued for the Canterbury High Country from 6am until noon. Between 10cm and 15cm of snow was expected to accumulate.
NZTA warns motorists to prepare for road closures
New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA) warned road users they should prepare for road closures in the South Island following forecasts of heavy snowfall.
State Highway 94 to Milford Sound was set to close between Lower Hollyford Rd and the Donne River at 4.30pm on Saturday.
NZTA believed further closures were likely in anticipation of heavy snow warnings taking effect in Canterbury and Otago.
It said restricting travel could be necessary to avoid trapped vehicles, urging drivers to be aware of changing conditions.
"With many families expected to be travelling this weekend for the start of the school holidays, NZTA is strongly encouraging people to keep a close eye on the latest weather forecasts and the status of the state highways," a spokesperson said.
"When snow or ice is on the road, motorists are urged to reduce their speeds, increase their following distances, avoid sudden braking or turning movements and to stay as visible as possible."
MetService meteorologist Heather Keats said the entire country was "likely to see brief bursts of heavy rain", with some getting brief heavy snow alongside strong winds. (Source: Breakfast)
MetService earlier warned of "really interesting" weather for the first weekend of the school holidays with meteorologist Heather Keats telling Breakfast that Kiwis should be prepared for unpredictable conditions.
Keats said there will be a "Very active, fast-moving front, so we're likely to see sort of brief bursts of heavy rain with it. Also, some brief heavy snow".
"So we're talking about snow down to above 500m for Southland, Otago, and Canterbury on Sunday. Strong winds as well."
She warned holiday-goers should take the weather into account.
"If you're travelling, it could be problematic. So it's definitely going to be a day to plan if you're travelling for school holidays."
MetService recommended anyone driving in affected to take extra precautions, including using snow chains and packing sleeping bags, warm clothing and emergency supplies.
Full list of weather watches:
Heavy Rain Warning - Orange
The Tararua Range - 10hrs from 5am to 3pm Sunday
Heavy Snow Warning - Orange
Canterbury High Country, and Plains near the foothills, south of Arthurs Pass - 6hrs from 6am to noon Sunday
Strong Wind Warning - Orange
Wairarapa, the Tararua District, and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings - 8hrs from 8am to 4pm Sunday
Wellington - 5hrs from 7am - noon Sunday
Heavy Rain Watch
Buller - 7hrs from 4am to 11am Sunday
Heavy Snow Watch
Central Otago and Queenstown Lakes District - 7hrs from 1am to 9am Sunday
Strong Wind Watch
Horowhenua, Kapiti Coast and the Marlborough Sounds - 5hrs from 7am to noon Sunday
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