Tauranga's big chill

Frosty conditions have been felt in Tauranga as a polar blast sweeps through New Zealand. Photo/File

If you thought it was especially cold this morning, you're not wrong.

Tauranga temperatures dropped to as low at 0C by 6am today.

Metservice temperatures crept to 1C by 7.30am today and a forecast high of 12C with fine skies is expected - one of the coolest days of winter for the Bay so far this year.

A polar blast has swept through New Zealand, bringing snow to much of the central North Island, prompting slips and road closures.

This morning a large slip had come down across State Highway 2 East in the Bay of Plenty 4km south of Taneautua.

Last night, 400 homes were without power in the Taupo plains, Hawkes Bay and Rotorua areas and there are warnings it could stay that way for up to a week. SH5 between Hawkes Bay and Taupo remains closed this morning.

Heavy snow brought down 200 power poles across the Taupo Plains, which were now covered in snow about 1m deep.

NZTA warned motorists to take care in the central and lower North Island as roads continue to be heavily impacted by snow, flooding and road closures.

'We are reminding motorists to the drive to the conditions with rain, cool temperatures and the possibility of snow still contributing to challenging driving conditions," said NZTA highway manager Neil Walker.