While snow blankets parts of the south, it's wind that's causing problems in the north

Auckland Harbour bridge is temporarily reduced to TWO lanes south and ONE lane north, due to strong wind gusts.

Motorcyclists or drivers of high sided vehicles are being advised to use the Western Ring Route.

MetService is forecasting northwesterlies of 25 knots gusting 35, then changing to southwesters of similar strength mid-morning.

NZTA's Neil Walker says school holidays have resulted in less congestion, but they still urge people to avoid using the bridge if possible, travel during off peak hours, use the Western Ring Route or take public transport.

High winds are forecast to continue until this afternoon.