Snow and ice closed the Desert Road early Tuesday as an early spring storm made its way up the country, also bringing gusts of up to 120kmh and heavy rain to some central areas.

The road re-opened about 7am, however, NZ Transport Agency warned drivers of wintry conditions

In Bay of Plenty a slip closed a section of State Highway 2 at Waiotahi Beach, near Opotiki early Tuesday. Police said the slip was large and reported to be still moving, making it hard to estimate when the road might re-open. Contractors were at the site.

MetService says Wellington and Wairarapa are expected to have strong or gale southerlies, getting to 120kmh in exposed places during the morning.

In the northern Wellington suburb of Wilton, a tree was blown down on Wilton Rd about 4.30am on Tuesday, police said. It was blocking both lanes and there was a diversion through a car park.

East by West Ferries advised commuters that it had cancelled all Wellington ferry services due to the weather.

Interislander cancelled its 3.30am ferry crossing, and will not operate the 9.05am crossing from Picton.

MetService is warning of a risk of heavy rain in Tararua District, Wairarapa and the eastern hills of Wellington during Tuesday.

Hawke's Bay, particularly about the ranges could get heavy rain from late Tuesday morning, and winds could reach gale strength in exposed areas of Taranaki through to late Wednesday.

All of the North Island is expected to have rain or showers during Tuesday, but in the South Island, Nelson and Buller are expected to stay dry.

Central Otago is also expected to be mainly dry, and showers should clear south of Christchurch during the afternoon.

UPDATE 7:05AM
This road is now OPEN, but winter driving conditions remain in place. ^HJ

https://t.co/qftbIaZVyk

— NZTA Central Nth Is (@NZTACNI) September 3, 2018

-Stuff.co.nz