MetService says the storm has reached its tail-end and by Sunday morning watches and warnings will be lifted for most of the country.
Forecaster Chris Noble says while some snow is still likely in inland areas of Southland, Canterbury and parts of the Central Plateau, there is an easing trend.
But he says cold temperatures will remain for the next few days. A southwesterly flow will bring severe frost to inland areas, and caution should be taken while driving.
Wild weather led to cancellations
Sports games and entertainment events around the country have been cancelled on Saturday as a result of the severe weather.
The gale force winds in Wellington meant the Royal New Zealand Ballet couldn't fly to their performances in Auckland.
The annual Smoke Free Rock Quest music competition for school bands due to be held in Invercargill on Friday night was cancelled as the organisers couldn't get there from Nelson.
In Wellington, the communications manager for Capital Football, Alida Shanks, says more than 550 football matches were called off due to the weather.
Canterbury Rugby League general manager Craig Kerr says all of its games are cancelled because pitches are waterlogged.
Other matches have also been affected.
