A front moves northwards over central New Zealand today (Tuesday March 28) followed by cold southerly gales.

Metservice has issued a Heavy Snow Watch for Queenstown Lakes and Central Otago south of a line from Queenstown to Alexandra.

The warning is valid for four hours until noon today.

Snow flurries are expected to 600 metres. Heavy snow is possible above 800 metres, and may approach warning amounts above this level.

People in Maniototo woke up to snow falling and are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts. 

A watch for heavy snow remains in force for parts of Otago; Watches for heavy rain have been lifted.

People are advised to keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made, or further areas are added.

Snow fell in the Maniototo earlier this morning. Watch the Central App video.