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A winter scene in the South Island - Source: William Humphries -
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Scientists working through climate reports say they have found the coldest day recorded to date in New Zealand.
The new official low of minus 25.6 degrees Celsius was recorded at Ranfurly in Central Otago in 1903, replacing the previous record of minus 21.6 which was Ophir in Central Otago in 1995.
National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research (NIWA) scientists made the discovery while looking at temperature records being entered into the National Climate database.
The accuracy of the new low was checked by looking at other meteorological data from stations in the area.
NIWA climate scientist Georgina Griffiths said she was "quite excited" to find the new record.
"We know the early 1900s were really cold, with extremely cold spells," she said.
"We know that the climate of Central Otago is really unique - it's the only region of New Zealand with a continental climate. It's not surprising that the [new] record is from this area."
The hottest temperature recorded remains 42.4 degrees on February 7 1973 at Rangiora.
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