MetService is expecting snow to disrupt travel in the lower South Island and central North Island this weekend.
Snow is already falling down to 200 metres in some inland areas in the far south and the forecaster expected cold air to bring light dumps further up the country later today, particularly the Desert Road.
MetService forecaster Allister Gorman said some roads could close depending on how quickly crews can clear them.
Ten to 20 centimetres of snow is expected to accumulate on the Desert Road above 800 metres with lesser amounts at lower levels.
He said, while there may be delays on alternate roads are bound to be delays on the main road.
MetService was forecasting showers to turn to snow this evening, and fall to below 700 metres tomorrow morning.
In the South Island, up to 25 is expected near the summit of Lindis Pass, up to 15 centimetres on Arthur's Pass, and up to 20 centimetres on Milford Road over the day.
