Snowfall has eased over the central North Island, with the MetService lifting severe weather watches for Taupo and Taihape.
Snow on the Desert Road Photo: NZTA
MetService said an active trough was crossing the central North Island, bringing snow to the hills.
Up to 10 centimetres of snow is expected to fall on the Napier-Taupo Road, and up to 3 centimetres on the Rimutaka Hill and Desert Roads.
The Desert Road is now open after a heavy dumping of snow last night closed it this morning. At this stage all main roads in New Zealand are open.
More snow is also expected on the South Island's higher roads, with 3 to 6 centimetres expected for Lewis Pass, Porters Pass and Arthur's Pass tonight and early tomorrow.
A MetService forecaster said the snow would clear tomorrow and the cold temperatures would ease across the country over the next few days.
Big snow dump covers Chateau
Guests and staff at the Chateau Tongariro Hotel on Mount Ruapehu woke to a wintry world of white this morning.
10cm of fresh snow overnight cover the Chateau Tongariro. Photo: Supplied
Shift manager Udey Singh said the snow was nearly half a metre deep and the Chateau was pretty much covered.
Is the snow falling in your region? Send us your pictures or video at iwitness@radionz.co.nz
Mr Singh said it was the biggest dump of snow this year, and the weather was perfect.
"I don't think you could ask for more, there's no wind and no rain. It's just beautiful."
He said today was really exciting because last season was not so good, with many rainy days and not a lot of snow.
"This year is going well and today is just amazing."
Mr Singh said the mountain was now open, and although many of the guests cars were stuck in the car park he did not think it would be an issue.
"Everyone is having fun, that's what they're here for."
What You Need To Know
There are no main road closures currently in either the North or the South Islands.
