A big low in the Southern Ocean is today sending a cold front up the South Island bringing heavy rain and snow while high pressure north of the country will help push strong westerly quarter winds over the nation.

NORTH ISLAND:
Showers, mostly on the Tasman Sea side may turn to patchy rain for some central areas. West to north west winds strengthening across the day becoming strong in some exposed places. Rain developing along the western side at night. Sunniest in the east like Whangarei, Gisborne and Napier.
Highs: 12 to 17

SOUTH ISLAND:
Rain heavy at times on the West Coast turning to snow higher up and may affect some alpine passes. Strong nor’west winds in the top half of the island with colder west to south west winds moving in to the southern half later today or tonight. Mainly dry inland towards the east and along the eastern coastline. Mostly sunny in Canterbury and Marlborough. Snow is possible in Queenstown.
Highs: 5 to 15

– WeatherWatch.co.nz