The polar blast has hit the South Island and the lower North Island, bringing sub zero temperatures, snow, hail and strong winds.
The unseasonal cold snap has closed roads and caused disruption across the motu, with several roads still closed in Otago and Southland because of snow and ice.
State Highway 1 between Dunedin and Palmerston remains closed - motorists are being urged to watch for black ice.
The Southland District mayor, Gary Tong, spoke to Mani Dunlop from a snow-covered Manapouri.
