The New Zealand Herald reports NZ's winter has come early as Antarctic air chills country to the bone. State Highway 1 near Dunedin was closed for more than two hours after dozens of cars were trapped in heavy snow.

The cold weather also means that some South Island ski areas will be ready to open their season next weekend. Mt Hutt reports 20cm of fresh snow and 1m drifts in some places, with more expected overnight. Coronet Peak and the Remarkables got enough for the operators to start snowmaking.

---