A cold snap that has gripped most of the country this week is on its way out, says the MetService.

The unseasonal wintry blast has brought snow to low levels in the South Island.

Snow fell on the Desert Road earlier this week as a cold snap gripped the country. Photo: File.

A dusting of snow was also seen on North Island skifields.

The snow also closed roads and disrupted some flights, while the coldest temperatures of the year were recorded in the lower North Island.

However, the MetService expects the strong, cold south-west flow gripping the country to ease today as a deep low south-east of the South Island drifts away.

But the bad weather associated with the air mass was expected to linger in Cook Strait, causing swells of up to five metres and delaying Interislander ferry sailings, says Stuff.

The Aratere's 6.45am sailing from Wellington and 10.45am return from Picton were cancelled.