Spring's changeable weather has struck after strong winds have slammed Auckland and snow blanketed parts of the South Island, days after a warm and mild weekend.
Winds of up to 100km/h hit Auckland yesterday afternoon, felling some trees and forcing the NZTA to warn drivers attempting to cross the Harbour Bridge to be careful.
The winds continued through the night and into the morning before easing. A strong wind watch in place for Auckland is due to expire at 9AM.
Video from NIWA weather shows the wind's force as its camera on the Sky Tower is jostled by strong winds.
Fire crews were reportedly called to eight weather-related incidents between Wellsford and Hamilton overnight as trees fell and powerlines were damaged in the wild weather.
The winds are expected to move to other parts of the country, with strong wind watches in force for north Canterbury down to Stewart Island through to later on Thursday.
- Weather: Thunderstorms, shock 0C warnings for New Zealand
- Weather: 'Cold shot' to drive temperatures down 10C next week
But the South Island has other unseasonable weather to contend with after a dumping of snow overnight.
Pictures sent to Newshub from the Canterbury town of Springfield show snow blanketing the ground and on the Southern Alps.
Queenstown was also hit by a cold snap with video from the town showing spring lambs and calves contending with thick snow.
The North Island also received a dusting in some places. The Desert Road was closed overnight and remains closed due to the snow.
Newshub.
