Weather: 'Cold blast' of wind, rain, snow coming for New Zealand

Weather Watch warns a "cold blast" of wind, rain, and snow is on a collision course with New Zealand.

A strong cold front is on its way after battering Australia and will reach New Zealand late on Sunday and Monday, bringing wintry conditions to both islands.

"Autumn is finally waking up with a proper blast of rain, wind and even snow this weekend and into the start of next week," the weather forecaster says.

"By Sunday colder air will start moving up the South Island and by Monday many places will be cool or cold, with highs in the lower South Island struggling to reach double digits."

MetService has issued warning for heavy rain in Fiordland and Westland south of Otira on Sunday, as well as strong winds for Fiordland, Otago and Southland on Sunday ahead of the front.

The blast will be short-lived though, with high pressure moving in on Tuesday. By Wednesday and Thursday warmer northerly quarter winds should develop again.

Newshub.