Weather: Widespread frosts, below-zero temperatures predicted for New Zealand

Kiwis have woken to chilly conditions this morning with the mercury dropping below zero in some parts.

While calm weather is forecast for most of the country this weekend, widespread frosts are expected.

Aucklanders shivered through temperatures of 4C overnight and there were similar conditions in Wellington.

Those in Christchurch faced -3C, while Queenstown was at -1C.

MetService forecaster Katie Hillyer told the Herald that New Zealand should expect calm and settled weather this weekend, with the odd shower in the lower South Island and east of the North Island.

“There will be fine and sunny spells in the west with some showers in the east,” she said.

“But they will also catch glimpses of sun over the weekend.”

Seth has your weekend outlook, with an approaching area of high pressure set to bring pleasant weather to almost all of New Zealand over the next several days. 😎 pic.twitter.com/2yDEDh33sC

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) August 1, 2025

Hillyer said those areas with clearer conditions were more primed for the colder temperatures.

“Places that are colder than usual for this time of year are Waikato, Waitomo, Bay of Plenty and Taumarunui,” she said.

“Those parts will feel particularly cold for August. Even by winter standards, there are some quite chilly mornings through there.”

The forecaster said frosts were predicted all over the South Island, which was common for this time of year.

“Areas will remain the same as average for this time of year but there will still be some cold winter mornings.”

A front, currently positioned over northern South Island, is steadily moving north today, leaving a cooler airmass behind it.
Behind this front are areas of showers, and snow spotted down to around 900 meters in southern parts of the South Island this morning🌨

Here’s a glimpse… pic.twitter.com/CN3ZBZrhST

— MetService (@MetService) July 31, 2025

Hillyer predicted the other end of the country would see nice weather and clear skies.

“Auckland is part of this fine weather area, so there will be a lot of sun.

“But it does mean some chillier mornings.

The City of Sails is forecast to reach a high of 13C today and 14C tomorrow with a low of 5C.

Hamilton is forecast to reach a high of 14C today and tomorrow but tumble below 0C overnight.

In the Bay of Plenty, Tauranga is forecast to reach 15C today and 14C tomorrow with a low of 5C on both days.

Hillyer said areas such as Wānaka and Queenstown would be at or below zero this morning and tomorrow morning.

“Even areas on the east coast that could have a bit more cloud, like Ashburton, Christchurch and Timaru, will be near OC and expecting some frosts.”

Christchurch is forecast to see a low of 0C tonight and fall to -2C tomorrow morning.

“It’s not anything outside of their norm. It’s very typical for this time of year.”

David Williams is an Auckland-based Multimedia Journalist who joined the Herald in 2023. He covers breaking news and general topics.