New Zealand Forecast – Spring Arrives with Strong Winds & Deep Powder
Published early Wednesday, 27th August 2025
The run of fine weather in New Zealand is now at an end as we descend into a long, stormy, unsettled period that’ll see out winter and take us into spring. There’s a busy schedule of frontal systems lined up, which will bring fluctuating temperatures and bouts of rain, snow, and then sunshine. It’s classic spring-like weather for this part of the world, which strong winds are part and parcel of, with severe-gale force winds expected on Thursday and Saturday.
Through it all, Kiwi resorts will rack up some hefty snowfall totals by the end of Sunday, especially on the upper slopes and on those ski fields closest to the Main Divide, such as Treble Cone and Temple Basin, where up to 30-50+cm could accumulate, while 10-30cm is expected elsewhere in the South Island. Mt Ruapehu is also likely to see around half a metre or more on the upper slopes, and between 10-20cm lower down.
Wednesday 27th August
A front approaching from the west will see cloud gradually increase over the Southern Lakes while northwesterlies strengthen, reaching gale force in exposed areas. Snow showers start spilling over the Main Divide onto Treble Cone later in the afternoon before becoming more widespread over the Southern Lakes in the evening while turning to rain on lower slopes.
Canterbury won’t start seeing cloud until later in the afternoon, but northwest winds will rise to gale in exposed areas. Rain spreads over the region at night, although it will start off as snow on most ski fields.
Thursday 28th August
Severe gale northwest winds will be howling as the front moves up the South Island, bringing a period of heavy rain and dense mid- to high-level snow to the Southern Lakes in the morning and then to Canterbury afterwards.
Winds drop off behind the front, leaving partly cloudy skies and a few showers of rain and upper-level snow, although that won’t happen until late in the day in Canterbury. Expect delayed openings and closures.
Friday 29th August
Snow showers over the Southern Lakes lower below base levels in the morning as colder west-to-northwest winds arrive, and then gradually peter out later.
Mostly fine in Canterbury, but cloud near the Main Divide may affect some ski fields, and there’ll be snow showers about Temple Basin. Gale northwesters back off a touch in the morning.
Saturday 30th August
Northwesterlies strengthen over the South Island again as a frontal system approaches, reaching severe gale in Canterbury. Snow showers will spill over the Main Divide throughout the day, becoming widespread and heavier at night.
Sunday 31st August
A strong, cold southerly change will bring a dump of powder early in the morning, then skies will gradually clear as winds turn westerly. However, snow showers return to the southern Lakes later.
Extended Forecast
Classic, stormy spring-time weather will continue to affect NZ next week, and possibly early the following week, as strong, cold winds from the westerly quarter persist. Quick-moving fronts imbedded in the flow will bring frequent shots of powder to Kiwi ski fields, which could add up to deep totals in the end. However, winds will be a major factor and will likely cause disruptions to ski field operations, so be sure to stay in the loop.
That’s all from me today, folks. I’m sending out these forecasts every Monday, Wednesday and Friday throughout the season. Have a great couple of days, and I’ll see you back here on Friday.
Grasshopper
