Forecasters say warmer weather is on the way after much of New Zealand experienced plummeting temperatures this week.
MetService meteorologist Jessie Owen said Thursday morning was the coldest of the year so far, with temperatures below 10C across the country.
The coldest areas up north were Galtea at 1.8C, Roturua at 2.8C, Waiouru at 3.2C, Whakatane at 3.4C and 3.6C in New Plymouth.
In the South Island things were even colder with temperatures dropping below zero in some areas.
It was -4.1C in Manapouri, -3.9C in Tekapo, -3.4C in Twizel, -1.7C in Alexandra, and -0.3C in St Arnaud.
The area of low pressure that caused the cold snap is expected to move east and a trough over the Tasman Sea is likely to pass over the country this weekend - meaning warm northerlies are on the way with wetter and warmer weather as a result.
As the colder air moves out temperatures should rise to more seasonal averages.
MetService forecasts the trough on the way will cause a period of rain expected to hit western regions on Saturday.
Heavy rain watches have been put in place for Golden Bay and the eastern ranges of Nelson.
The rest of the country is expected to have some showers on Sunday and early next week as the trough crosses the country, before calm weather returns next week.
