Live updates: Snow has closed roads in the south and strong wind forced speed restrictions on the Auckland Harbour Bridge as severe weather sweeps the country.
Hundreds of homes are without power: in the central North Island, Dunedin and in the Auckland suburbs of Clevedon, Titirangi and Devonport.
Heavy rain hit Auckland early on Wednesday and MetService warned west to southwest winds could approach severe gale in exposed places,.
Reduced speed limits are in place on the Auckland Harbour Bridge and wind gusts reaching 90km/h forced brief lane closures. The agency advised motorists to take extra care, with high-sided vehicles and motorcycles most at risk.
Bus services travelling over the bridge were likely to be delayed through the morning peak, Auckland Transport said.
Elsewhere in the country roads are closed and severe weather warnings are in place as a strong northwest flow covers central and southern New Zealand.
MetService issued orange strong wind warnings from Wellington and Wairarapa to as far south as Dunedin and Clutha, while watches are in place for Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula.
Snow in the South Island closed Arthur's Pass (SH73) Lindis Pass (SH8) and the SH7 Hanmer Springs turnoff to Springs Junction.
In the North, the Desert Road and the Remutaka Hill Road were under road snowfall warnings.
https://www.rnz.co.nz/news/national/494960/wild-weather-snow-closes-roads-in-south-speed-restrictions-on-auckland-harbour-bridge