Brief Mountain Forecast for all New Zealand

North Island

Valid for Saturday, 18-Apr

Te Urewera to Raukumara Forest Parks: Isolated showers, becoming widespread this morning, and possibly heavy from afternoon. Remaining North Island mountain areas: Rain becoming widespread this morning, heavy at times. Squally thunderstorms possible about Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki and the Tararua ranges. WINDS: Gale west to northwesterlies, but severe gale in the Tararua range. Rising to severe gale in exposed places elsewhere from afternoon.

Freezing Level: About 3000 metres.

Valid for Sunday, 19-Apr

Te Urewera to Raukumara Forest Parks: Rain with heavy falls, easing to showers tomorrow afternoon. Squally thunderstorms possible tomorrow morning. Tongariro National Park to Te Papa-Kura-o-Taranaki: Rain with heavy falls and possible thunderstorms, turning to showers tomorrow morning, some heavy and possibly thundery tomorrow afternoon and evening. The Ruahine and Tararua Ranges: Heavy rain and possible squally thunderstorms, easing tonight, turning to showers tomorrow, some heavy until evening. WINDS: Gale northwesterlies, severe gale in exposed places tonight, easing south of Te Urewera by Sunday afternoon.

Freezing Level: About 3000 metres, lowering to 2200 metres in the south sunday evening.

Valid for Monday, 20-Apr

Showers, some heavy. WINDS:Northerlies, possibly gale in exposed places.

Freezing Level: 2800 metres, sloping to 2300 metres in the south. becoming 2300 metres everywhere.

Valid for Tuesday, 21-Apr

Showers, some heavy. WINDS:Northerlies. Gale in exposed places.

Freezing Level: 2200 metres.

Valid for Wednesday, 22-Apr

Showers but rain about the Tararua range. WINDS:Northerlies dying out. South to southeasterlies becoming strong in the south and about Te Papa-Kura-O-Taranaki, gales in exposed places.

Freezing Level: 2600 metres, sloping to 2100 metres northerly the south.

Issued: 4:51pm Saturday 18 Apr 2026

South Island

Valid for Saturday, 18-Apr

Richmond and Kaikoura Forest Parks: Rain, heavy at times about the Richmond Range, with possible thunderstorms. Rain easing this afternoon, then clearing tonight. Remaining South Island mountain areas: Heavy showers, with squally thunderstorms possible. Showers easing this afternoon or evening. Snow to 2000 metres about Arthur's Pass, but to 1500 metres about Mt Cook, and to 1200 metres in Fiordland WINDS: Gale northwesterlies, severe gale in exposed places. Gradually easing later.

Freezing Level: 2400 metres sloping to 1600 metres in the south.

Valid for Sunday, 19-Apr

From Kahurangi National Park to Mt Aspiring National Park: Showers, some heavy with hail and possible thunderstorms, clearing in the west Sunday morning but rain developing in the east. Snow possible to 1400 metres. Fiordland National Park:: Showers, clearing Sunday morning, becoming fine Sunday evening. WINDS: Northwesterlies turning southeasterly late Sunday morning, becoming strong in the evening.

Freezing Level: 2000 metres, sloping to 1500 metres in the south.

Valid for Monday, 20-Apr

Rain developing, especially in the north and east, possibly heavy. Snow may lower to 1000 metres in the east WINDS:Easterlies rising to gale, possibly severe gale.

Freezing Level: 1800 metres sloping to 1300 metres in the south.

Valid for Tuesday, 21-Apr

Rain, falling as snow to 1200 metres in Fiordland. Snow to 800 metres between Mt Aspiring and Arthur's Pass, possibly heavy. Showers, with snow to 1800 metres north of Arthur's pass. Scattered rain about the western slopes. WINDS:Gale easterlies, severe gale in exposed places.

Freezing Level: 1700 metres sloping to 1200 metres in the south. rising to 2200 metres in the north.

Valid for Wednesday, 22-Apr

Rain in the north and east, falling as snow to 1000 metres. WINDS:Easterlies, gale in exposed places. Easing north of Mt Aspiring.

Freezing Level: 1500 metres, sloping to 1000 metres in the south.

Issued: 4:51pm Saturday 18 Apr 2026