Mount Hutt Ski Field's received nearly a metre of snow overnight, as frosty weather blankets the country

In the South Island some residents have awoken to no power amid near sub-zero temperatures and heavy snow.

Meanwhile, Interislander and Bluebridge have cancelled all Cook Strait sailings today, with warnings of large swells.

Snowfall warnings apply today for multiple South Island roads - and for the North Island's Desert Road.

MetService Forecaster Gerrard Bellam says snow and low temperatures will continue all day for parts of the South Island.

He says snow will continue falling in southern and eastern parts of the island, 300 metres above sea level.