Strong winds and low-level snow are sweeping over the lower South Island in a winter cold snap.
The town of Naseby was among parts of Central Otago briefly blanketed in white on Friday morning, as temperatures tumbled and a southwest flow moved in.
Queenstown Lakes District Council warned snow could also settle on alpine highways on Friday afternoon, including two centimetres on the Crown Range Road and through the Lindis Pass above 700 metres.
Further south, the NZ Transport Agency recorded snow at the Homer Tunnel and urged people to take care on the drive from Te Anau to Milford.
Heavy snow in South Island town of Naseby. Photo: Naseby General Store
MetService issued an orange wind warning for Fiordland, Southland, Stewart Island, Clutha and Dunedin from 3pm Friday, saying severe gale southwesterlies could gust up to 130kph in exposed places until Saturday afternoon.
"Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds," it advised.
There are also orange wind warnings in place for Hawke's Bay and the Tararua District until 10pm Saturday, while Wairarapa has been issued a strong wind watch from 8am to 5pm Saturday.
MetService also issued a strong wind watch for the Canterbury High Country.
Flights disrupted in Wellington
Air New Zealand said strong winds are affecting services at Wellington Airport this afternoon.
It said due to the weather in the Capital Flight NZ272 from Brisbane to Wellington had to be diverted to Christchurch.
Capital Flight NZ272 from Brisbane to Wellington had to be diverted to Christchurch. Photo: Flight Radar
Photo: Flight Radar
"As a result, flights NZ271 Wellington to Brisbane, and NZ200 Brisbane to Christchurch have also been cancelled.
"Our teams are working to get customers to where they need to be, and we thank everyone for their patience and understanding."
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