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However, spokeswoman Sue Baird said while it was “filthy cold” on Tuesday, the district had sunshine and blue skies. “At this stage we are not aware of any potential problems but we are keeping a watching brief.” Further north in Banks Peninsula, farmers on higher ground were experiencing moderate snowfall. Little Akaloa farmer Tim Coop said around 10cm of snow had fallen by 9am around the top of the farm. “It’s not thick,” he said.
Stacy Squires/Stuff
Richard Vance and his children George, three, and Elina, six, enjoying the snow at Victoria Park in the Port Hills above Christchurch.
The period of heaviest snow fall had already passed for Southland and Otago by early Tuesday, and the snow level would start to rise in those areas. Snow levels were likely to start rising in Wellington and the Desert Road from Wednesday morning. MetService was also warning of damaging southwest swells for many stretches of coastline. At the bottom of the South Island swells of up to 8 metres will ease during Tuesday, while along the east of the South Island swells are forecast to rise to 7m during Tuesday before easing later.
Kevin Stent/Stuff
Big waves lash Owhiro Bay, on Wellington’s south coast Tuesday morning.
Akaroa, Chorlton, Duvauchelle, Le Bons Bay, Little Akaloa, Ngaio Point, Okains Bay, Robinsons Bay, Takamatua, Takamatua Bay, Fishermans Bay, Hickory Bay, Otanerito Bay and Paua Bay were among the affected areas. Most of these areas had lost power just before 8am and were expected to be restored about midday, according to the Orion website. As of 11am, all but around 600 customers had had their power restored. Orion spokeswoman Linda McGregor said there were reports of trees colliding with power lines across the network on Tuesday morning.
Stacy Squires/Stuff
Snow has coated the Port Hills in Christchurch, here dusting the car park at Victoria Park.
Snow, hail and polar cold temperatures as Antarctic blast hits New Zealand
An Antarctic blast has swept up the South Island, bringing freezing temperatures, dumping snow and grounding Air New Zealand flights, is now moving over the North Island.
With snow blanketing much of the south, leaving numerous highways closed and even falling to sea level in Christchurch overnight, the focus is now on the north, which is starting to feel the brunt of the polar air. We are working with Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office to keep an eye on developments and are regularly inspecting our runway and seawalls to ensure they are not damaged. We are advising travellers to contact their airline or keep an eye on Wellington Airport s Live Flight Information for latest updates. We also advise taking extra time and care getting to and from the airport.