Civil Defence is warning residents to be prepared as the lower South Island braces for another cold front.
Snow is expected to sea level in some areas on Wednesday night, while the alpine region is waiting for the third major snow fall in a week.
Warnings from MetService are in place for Clutha, Southland, South Westland and Fiordland, with heavy snow to sea level expected.
Civil Defence in Southland has warned residents to be prepared in case the power is cut.
Farmers should be making sure their stock is in sheltered paddocks and schools are being asked to prepare their transport plans for Thursday.
The snow is expected to continue until Thursday before clearing, and the storm system should move away from the country by the weekend.
Third dump for Queenstown forecast
In Queenstown, residents are preparing for their third major snowfall in a week. MetService says the icy blast will not ease until Sunday.
Snow has closed roads, ski fields and schools already this week and disrupted the plans of thousands of tourists.
Most South Island ski fields reopened on Wednesday, though it was possible some may be forced to close again, with winds gusting to 100 km/h forecast for the afternoon.
The Queenstown Lakes District Council is warning motorists to stay off the roads on Wednesday night unless travel is necessary.
