Multiple weather warnings are in place for New Zealand as the country is battered by a winter blast.
Forecasters are warning disruptions are likely, with road snowfall advisories also in place on New Zealand's alpine passes.
"The maps below should help paint a clearer picture of where the heaviest snow is most likely - but please note snow to sea level is still a possibility even if not highlighted with confidence in the maps below with 1 to 5cm the current most likely total," WeatherWatch warns.
MetService has issued heavy snow warnings for Marlborough south of Seddon, parts of Canterbury, the Tararua and Rimutaka Range, and Taihape. Snow started falling to low levels in some areas of Canterbury on Sunday morning.
"The heaviest snow is expected in northern Canterbury and southern Marlborough above 200 metres, and central and southern parts of the North Island which is likely to disrupt travel, damage trees and powerlines, and cause stress to livestock.
"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made or further areas are added."
Strong wind warnings are also in place for southern and eastern Wairarapa and Wellington and coastal Marlborough.
The wild weather is due to a surge of cold air from the Southern Ocean dragging across New Zealand. MetService warns rain is spreading across the North Island, with thunderstorms also a possibility.
