Wintry blast to bring snow, frost and rain

A wintry blast that has brought snow and frosty conditions to the South Island will make its way up the country today.

Meteorologist Braydon White said rain is likely for the central and upper North Island - including Auckland - on Sunday.

A heavy rain watch is in place for the Wairoa district from noon on Sunday until 3am Monday with a moderate chance of upgrading to a warning.

MetService has also issued a strong wind watch for the Bay of Plenty east of Rangitaiki River and Taranaki north of Hawera and west of Whangamomona.

White said there was also a risk of snow in some parts of the country from Sunday evening into Monday morning.

"There's also the risk of snow to some of those more central plateau areas like the Desert Road as well as the Napier Taupo road could see some snow."

He said snow has fallen to as low as 500 metres in parts of Canterbury.

Road snow fall warnings were in place for Napier-Taupo Road (SH5), Desert Road (SH1), Lewis Pass (SH7), Arthur's Pass (SH73) and Porters Pass (SH73) from Sunday morning into the the evening and Monday morning.

All state highways in the South Island are open this morning, despite snow sweeping through overnight.

However the Transport Agency says motorists should take care on the roads where snow has settled.