More than a dozen motorists are trapped in snow between Napier and Taupō, and thousands of homes are without power, as this week's winter storm continues to bite.
The wild weather has seen southerly gales peak at 167 km/h in Wellington, and a 10m wave was recorded in Cook Strait. Further south, snowy conditions are expected to ease by this weekend.
RNZI reports the Hawke's Bay Civil Defence, police and the NZ Transport Authority have launched a rescue operation after more than a dozen motorists got their vehicles stuck on State Highway 5 between Napier and Taupō.
Civil Defence spokesperson Ian Macdonald said it was vital motorists did not drive past road closures as there could be hidden drop-outs and downed power lines, and insurance was void past a roadblock.
He urged all road users to take extra care on the roads due to the winter conditions and avoid unnecessary travel.
Truck drivers stuck on the Napier-Taupo Road by the snow and ice are hunkering down at the Rangitaiki Tavern.
One of the tavern's owners, Marion Klaus, said there were nine truck drivers taking shelter at the moment, and they would not be moving any time soon.
"The sun was trying to come out, but it's still snowing, there's probably three or four inches of snow. We're 40 kays from Taupo, but further down it's quite bad."
Ms Klaus says they are pretty self-sufficient and the power is on, but they do have a back-up generator.
Meanwhile, more than 10,000 properties in the lower North Island are without power after the weather brought down lines.
The biggest power cuts are in Manawatu-Whanganui and in towns just north of Wellington.
Wind and rain batters region
MetService forecaster Tom Adams said this morning that the snow might be the "poster child" of any winter storm, but it was the wind and rain making things hazardous at the moment.
Wellington City Council said its call centre had been kept busy with scores of calls about trees and branches down on roads, slips and other storm-related damage, including reports of roofing iron coming loose on a number of buildings.
The incidents were being reported from all parts of the city.
Train services on all lines have also been delayed by the weather.
All regional flights in and out of Wellington remained on hold as strong winds hit the airport.
Southern snow eases for the weekend
Further south, MetService said the South Island had seen the biggest snow dump of the year this week.
Snow and ice has closed several major roads across the island this week, with Kaikōura cut off last night.
Most roads have now reopened, although Arthur's Pass remains shut.
Mr Adams said this afternoon most heavy snow warnings had been lifted for the island, and the weather should be better for the weekend.
Photo: Facebook / HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group. Caption: Roads in Hawke's Bay have been closed, stranding motorists.