After a fierce mid-week polar blast the country is now set to enjoy a bluebird weekend.
With up to 30cm of snow falling on the southern ski fields, extensive road closures and wild weather toppling trees the country is in for sunny days marked by exceptionally crisp starts.
All weather
warnings have now been lifted and Cook Strait ferries had resumed crossings today after towering 8m waves were forecast in the channel last night.
The last of the showers and strong winds pounding the east coast of the North Island are expected to ease later today.
Apart from a weak cold front hurtling up the South Island tonight the country can look forward to a bright weekend.
