Kiwis shiver their way into the new week

Castle Hill and Arthur's Pass in the snow. Photo / Supplied

Kiwis are waking up to another frosty morning as temperatures plummeted below freezing overnight.

MetService meteorologist Nicole Ranger said temperatures fell below 0C for many places across the country overnight.

"There was only a handful which was above zero and those were at a few stations on the east and west coast," Ms Ranger said.

In the South Island, temperatures of -10C were recorded at Mt Cook Airport, while in the North Island Taupo got down to -2C and temperatures of -8C were recorded on the Desert Road.

It was another cold and frosty start for Aucklanders this morning, with temperatures of -2C recorded at Whenuapai Aerodrome. Yesterday morning, temperatures plunged to -3C.

"It's very frosty out there," Ms Ranger said.

Although the week had got off to a cold start, once the frost cleared, it was set to be a fine day for most across the country.

A high of 14C was forecast for those in Auckland today alongside clear blue skies.

"It looks like a lot of the North Island will be fine today, just a few isolated showers about the east coast, and for the South Island again fine with just a bit of cloud coming in in the evening."

However, the fine weather did not look set to stick around.

A front approaching from the Tasman Sea would reach New Zealand late tomorrow, and move eastwards over the country during Wednesday, bringing rain to many areas, with some heavy falls in the north and west of both islands.

However, it would not bring with it the shivering cold temperatures that were experienced last week.

Weather impacts roads and public transport

Motorists in the Canterbury area are being urged to take extreme care on frosty roads this morning.

Senior Sergeant Vaughn Lapslie said ice began to form on roads across the district last night, and remained "treacherous" this morning.

He said motorists should keep in mind that black ice was often very difficult to see.

Mr Lapslie said road contractors had been utilised overnight, and would be out this morning.

He said police were asking motorists to take care, and remember to allow for extra travel time and to drive to the conditions.

Meanwhile the New Zealand Transport Agency had advised that some train services in Wellington had been suspended until further notice due to adverse weather conditions.