Weather: Freezing start nationwide, ice on overhead lines cancels Wellington trains

Freezing cold temperatures across the country are causing disruption for motorists and train users this morning.

According to Metservice, Twizel was the coldest place in the country with -7C at 6am, Christchurch -3.6C, Blenheim -1.6C and Queenstown -3C.

It's not just the South Island that woke to a chilly morning.

Hamilton reached -2.2C, Masterton -2.1C, Rotorua -0.3C and -1.1C in Taupo.

Motorists in Banks Peninsula are being urged to drive with caution - due to the icy conditions.

A Christchurch City Council spokesperson said contractors are out laying grit - but it will take time.

The Christchurch travel team are urging drivers to avoid sudden braking or turning and
travel at a safe distance

MetService meteorologist Amy Rossiter said inland areas in New Zealand have seen the coldest temperatures.

"Waiouru got to –7.3C overnight and similarly St Arnaud in the South Island got –7.8C."

Rossiter said a narrow ridge of high pressure across the country which brought light winds and clear skies has caused the cold snap.

Among the main centres Christchurch was the coldest at –4.8C overnight and Auckland getting "pretty cold" for its usual temperatures, she said.

"There has been some areas just outside of the [Auckland] CBD that got to 0C overnight."

Train services have restarted after all services on the Kāpiti Line were cancelled due to ice forming on overhead powerlines.

All northbound services out of Wellington were suspended with buses transporting people between Wellington and Porirua.

KPL: 9:30 UPDATE: Services that were held on the line are beginning to resume movement. Most services are not running to their scheduled timetable.

— Metlink Wellington (@metlinkwgtn) July 13, 2021

Meanwhile, a car has rolled in Christchurch after sliding on black ice.

Emergency services were called to the crash on Christchurch Akaroa Rd at about 8.26am. Photo / George Heard

Emergency services were called to the crash on Christchurch Akaroa Rd at about 8.26am.