Auckland hit by freezing hail storm as wintry weather grips nation

Auckland was hit by freezing hail storms just before 6pm and the AA sent out a general road safety warning as a wintry blast gripped much of the country. Cold southerly winds laced with rain, sleet, hail and snow currently lashing parts of the country

The Desert Road in Waiouru on Wednesday morning. Photo / Steve Pitts

Image 1 of 18: The Desert Road in Waiouru on Wednesday morning. Photo / Steve Pitts