Days of rain in South Island turned to snow overnight and caused havoc on southern state highways on the morning fo the 16th.

There were winter conditions on Canterbury, West Coast, Otago and Southland roads.

There was snow fall in parts of Waikato on the 15th.

On parts of SH47 through National Park and SH5 Taupo-Napier snow was 3 cm deep.

There was a snow base of about 2 m on Whakapapa and Turoa skifields.

There were snow drifts up past roof of the café.

Both skifields were closed on 15th because of 150 km/hr winds.

Two vehicles collided head-on near Taupo on SH1 just after 8am on the 15th. A man (aged 53) and a woman (aged 35) died.

SH5 between Napier and Taupo was closed for several hours by snow.

There was ice and heavy snow in central North Island.

Parts of SH47 around National Park were closed until 11:30am on the 15th.

Snow lay 14 cm deep at Waiouru and 30 cm deep in other places.

Snow was still falling throughout the 15th.

About 15 cm of snow fell on Desert Road before dawn on the 15th.

The Desert Road was closed and 20-30 motorists who got stranded in the snow at Waiouru on the night of the 14th had to be rescued by the army. They were provided with accommodation at the Army's marae.

Woman went into labour at 2 a.m. and road closures forced the army truck to take her to hospital after the ambulance became stuck in snow.

A number of accidents occurred in treacherous conditions on 15th.

Parts SH49 between Ohakune and Waiouru were closed until 11:30am on the 15th.

SH73 between Springfield and Arthurs Pass was closed due to all towing vehicles on 16th.

SH8 between Fairlie and Twizel was closed to towing vehicles and chains were essential.

SH85 from Palmerston to Ranfurly was closed on the 16th because snow dumps were blocking the road.

SH8 between Omarama and Tarras closed on the 16th because snow dumps were blocking road.

Crown Range road near Queenstown was closed to towing vehicles and chains were essential.