It was a freezing night for some in the South Island as temperatures dropped below zero in many places, some to as low as -8.2C. In the lower North Island, temperatures dropped to -3.4C in Masterton, -3.5C on the Desert Rd, -2.3C in Upper Hutt and -1C in Martinborough. Temperatures in most of New Zealand are forecast to be colder than usual during what is the chilliest time of the year. MetService meteorologist Georgina Griffiths said this is "typically the coldest fortnight of the year". Recent snowfall over the lower South Island will be welcome news for those planning ski trips during the school holidays, "but it's a different story for the power bill" Griffiths said.

Source: New Zealand Herald July 04, 2017 19:18 UTC