Tekapo in the Mackenzie District is blanked in snow today. Photo: Supplied / Tanja Clauberg
An Orange Heavy Snowfall Warning has been issued on Thursday for Canterbury and Central Otago.
Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says the lull in heavy rain and strong winds that have affected many parts of the country will be short-lived.
"Starting on Friday and also over the weekend actually, most of Aotearoa New Zealand is looking to be plunged deep into winter. We've got very cold temperatures expected across the country and also some further snow expected."
Meanwhile, high tide has now passed for the Tauranga-Taupō River and residents no longer have to be concerned about possible evacuations.
Earlier strong winds lifted the roof of a house in the Wellington suburb of Newlands to land on a house on another street.
The gales followed a night of heavy rain, thunderstorm warnings and strong winds across much of the country.
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