Snowfall warnings remain in effect for the South Island mountain passes and North Canterbury high country

Porters Pass is closed -- along with State Highway 80 between Pukaki and Mt Cook, and State Highway 8 between Twizel and Fairlie.

Strong wind is also making driving hazardous on the West Coast, where State Highway 6 was closed between Ross and Fox Glacier overnight.

MetService Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says it's been a wet night in the north, and a cold and snowy night in the south.

She says the severe conditions are set to continue today.