MetService forecaster Chester Lampkin warned it would be a chilly January night ahead, especially for the South Island and inland parts of the North Island.
The good news was the weather would get better this afternoon making way for a calmer day tomorrow.
Fresh snow on the Cardrona ski field as cold weather swept up the country. Photo / Supplied
However, more bad weather was set to return late Saturday with more heavy rain for the already saturated West Coast.
Image 1 of 10: Flood damage at Warders Creek west of Arthur's Pass 19 January 2017
picture supplied via twtitter
NZTA Canterbury/WC â€e@NZTACWC 24m24 minutes ago
Here is an image of flood damag
Earlier, damaging winds hit Wellington and much of the country's South Island.
Trees fell and roofs lifted as severe gales associated with an intense weather bomb struck central New Zealand.
More than 400 households were without power for some hours but electricty has now been restored to most homes.
Vital commuter services were affected with trolley buses taken off the road and harbour ferry crossings cancelled. Many planes were delayed.
Council workers clear up a tree that blew over in strong winds in Silverstream, Wellington. Photo / DON ROOD
A Fire Service spokesman said crews had been called to clear roads in South Wairarapa and Johnsonville after trees blocked lanes.
In Wellington properties needed to have loose tiles and sheets of iron secured by firefighters.
A Korean church in Brooklyn had a tree crash on its roof.
Commuters were told to expect disruptions.
Due to high winds this morning in Wellington there will be no trolley buses operating. Please expect disruptions to bus services as a result
