It's a dangerous period to be outdoors as autumn weather continues to kick in across the country.
Strong winds, "freezing rain" and plummeting temperatures have led to warnings for trampers and campers.
A strong wind watch has been issued for widespread gusts exceeding 110 km/h to continue through to Saturday morning.
"A strong high pressure system in the northern Tasman Sea will press up against a storm in the South Ocean over the next 36 hours," Weather Watch says.
"This will create strong to gale force winds in some coastal areas and mountains," Weather Watch warns.
"Combined with snow and freezing rain conditions in the South Island it will not be ideal for trampers, campers and perhaps even some alpine motorists - but conditions improve on Sunday."
"The changeable weather experienced by many this week is likely to continue into this weekend," MetService says.
"Parents hoping to take the kids outdoors this school holiday weekend should note that fronts embedded in the strong westerly flow currently over the country, will continue to bring showers to the west of the South Island and Southland on Friday."
Newshub.
