Winter chill: Rain and snow around NZ

There had been periods of rain across most of the North Island this morning, says MetService meteorologist William Nepe. Photo / Thinkstock

Most of the country has woken to a wet day, with rain for most of the North Island and snow in the south.

MetService meteorologist William Nepe said this morning there had been periods of rain across most of the North Island this morning, and more wet weather and cold conditions would move in tonight.

Overnight there had been snowfall in many parts of the South Island.

"Our webcams are showing heavy snow overnight," he said.

Cameras showed up to 15cm of snow had fallen at Mt Cook village, Coronet Peak and Queenstown, and on the Milford Road.

Snow had fallen to 1000m in the hills around Nelson, Mr Nepe said.

The conditions would change today as the front bringing the cold air and wet conditions moves east.

"Things are subtly easing today," he said.

While the front moved east the cold conditions would stick around. However, Canterbury wouldn't be seeing any snow, he said.

"Cold air does linger," he said.

Invercargill and Southland would have a freezing level that could get down to 500m and more snow today.

Tonight the cold weather will move north with snow expected to fall between 700m and 800m in the Central North Island overnight.

The Rimutaka Hills were "borderline" to see some snow showers tonight, Mr Nepe said.