Weather: 9m waves, snow, gales, thunderstorms return next week

New Zealand only gets a brief respite of settled weather before another storm system slams into the country next week, bringing monster waves, gale-force winds and heavy rain.

"If you thought the winter blast this long weekend was the main feature, think again," WeatherWatch says.

"A large stormy low will deepen and cross the country next week bringing rain, snow, gales and yes - another windy change."

The low starts off by approaching the North Island on Tuesday, bringing rain to the West Coat and strengthening northerlies for northern New Zealand.

"By Wednesday this large low will cross the country bringing heavy snow into the South Island, blustery to gale-force winds in some parts of both islands (but also large areas of calm around the centre of this big low) and a burst of rain and showers, with possible isolated thunderstorms," WeatherWatch warns.

"At the same time cold southerly air feeds in making for heavy snow through the ranges and higher elevation areas. Snow levels may be lower than this weekend, with current data suggesting 150 to 200m above sea level. This is one to watch."

As the low departs on Thursday the freezing and blustery flow behind it will be made even worse by the huge high over eastern Australia.

"This will make for a very windy and colder Thursday, Friday and next Saturday across many parts of New Zealand due to this 'squash zone' of air pressure," WeatherWatch says.

"This set-up may also create huge waves, over nine-metres, around the western coastline of the North Island and possibly some other coastal areas in the west too."

Newshub.