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Thousands have been disrupted by winter snow around New Zealand on one of the worst days of winter weather so far.
The authorities are warning motorists to take extra care on Tuesday night.
In Otago, schools have closed, flights were cancelled and dozens of roads throughout the region have been affected by the conditions.
And the polar blast is making its way up the country, closing the Rimutaka Hill Road, north of Wellington.
Police officers and road workers worked to free vehicles stuck in snow on the road which is set to see snow showers, mixed with hail, near the summit until Tuesday night.
"There is no time set on this closure, as it is weather dependant. So motorists wishing to travel this route need to start planning how they can get to their destination via another route," says Inspector Ken Climo.
Snow showers on the Desert Road are predicted with as much as 5cm of snow likely to accumulate on the road by 8pm Tuesday.
Despite schools being closed and road conditions being treacherous, people have been getting out and enjoying the cold weather with TVNZ viewers taking some spectacular pictures of the snow and ice.
One viewer in Blenheim had this to say just after 1pm: "It's snowing snow and ice falling, and only five degrees in Blenheim right now. On the close hills going through from Blenheim to Picton the hills are white with snow. Blenheim doesn't usually get this snow and icy conditions. It's freezing, it's bitter."
Check out the pictures we've been sent from around the South Island .
Snow is still affecting some highways in the deep south.
The Transport Agency advises that ongoing snow showers and freezing conditions are continuing to make many of the state highways and local roads in Otago and Southland extremely treacherous.
Otago Southland operations manager Murray Clarke says the conditions are expected to continue into the evening. It's anticipated that road conditions will remain treacherous throughout the night and Wednesday morning.
Clarke says black ice and packed frozen snow can be expected and extreme caution is essential on all roads in the south.
The agency advises motorists to avoid all non necessary travel.
Otago and Southland's woes
Emergency services were out in Otago and Southland attending
dozens of minor accidents with major snow on the roads on
Tuesday.
Dunedin was virtually shut down. Many wish they had stayed home
when they faced what was close to chaos on Dunedin
streets.
The city woke under a blanket of snow, then the work began clearing it. The main roads in and out were closed until the afternoon.
The southern highway was gridlocked and people were being urged to stay home rather than risk it out.
Many resorted to walking, one family with a son even heading to hospital for an operation.
Snow was down to sea level and some hardy souls braved a swim at the beach.
Buses were grounded for most of the day and every school in the
city was closed. So it was a day off for the kids.
