While blizzards lash the South Island high country and snow falls to low levels, Tauranga expected to get some wind and rain.

An overnight low of 2C is forecast for Sunday as cold temperatures move up the country.

Snow is expected to fall to low levels in the South Island and temperatures are expected to drop in Tauranga this weekend.

By comparison, Ashburton could get down as low as -6C, and inland places like Alexandra possibly down to -11C, says MetService meteorologist Angus Hines.

'The overnight temperatures will freeze any surface water – which can result in dangerous black ice on the roads.”

The low pressure system which bought the snow to the South will bring rain to extensive areas of the North Island over the coming days. A severe weather watch is in force for Gisborne and Hawke's Bay until Saturday.

People in these areas are advised to stay up to date with the latest forecasts and advice from the severe weather team in case warnings become necessary closer to the event.

In Tauranga, there's more scattered showers overnight before an easterly wind starts picking up tomorrow, bringing some more rain, says Angus.

Over the weekend, the easterly is expected to back round to the south and drop the temperatures.

The daily highs in Tauranga over the weekend are expected to be 13, with an overnight low of 5C on Saturday and 2C on Sunday.