A taste of winter came to the South Island yesterday with cold temperatures and snow to low levels.

Temperatures in the south struggled to rise above double digits as a southerly swept across the country.

Strong, showery southwesterlies brought snow to low levels in parts of Central Otago.

In Christchurch, the maximum temperature was just below 10deg after the arrival of the southerly between 9am and 10am. In Queenstown, the mercury could only manage 8deg.

MetService snow warnings for the southern part of the island remained in place last night, while gale-force winds were predicted for much of the east coast.

The AA is urging caution as low temperatures are forecast to continue, causing slippery conditions on many roads.

Yesterday, snow closed State Highway 8 between Fairlie and Twizel, stranding several vehicles in heavy snowdrifts.

Snow fell on State Highway 8 between Omarama and Tarras and SH94 between Te Anau and Milford. Chains were required on both roads.

There were no reports of serious incidents as a result of the weather.

Southern snowfields were celebrating, with many reporting new dustings, although not enough for an early opening. Mount Hutt in Canterbury received about 10cm.

Mount Hutt ski area manager Dave Wilson said the dusting of snow would provide a good base for snow-making due to begin today.

The field is due to open on June 10.

SOURCE: By JOANNA NORRIS