MetService warns of heavy snow, rain and severe gales as cold front sweeps NZ

Severe weather warnings are in place across parts of the country as a fast-moving cold front brings heavy rain, snow and severe gales on Sunday.

MetService has issued orange warnings for heavy rain in the Tararua Range, heavy snow in the Canterbury High Country and severe winds across parts of the lower North Island.

The Tararua Range could receive 60mm to 90mm of rain between 4am and 2pm, with peak rainfall rates of 15mm to 20mm an hour expected on Sunday morning.

MetService said streams and rivers could rise rapidly, with surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions possible.

An orange heavy snow warning is in place for the Canterbury High Country and plains near the foothills south of Arthur's Pass.

Between 5am and 11am, 10cm to 15cm of snow is expected to settle above 400m, with lesser amounts down to about 200m.