MetService described the storm as a "once-in-a-lifetime experience" that would affect the entire country.
Snow fell to sea level in many areas, and authorities warned people in the worst-affected regions to stay indoors.
The South Island took the brunt of the storm, but the nation's capital, Wellington, at the foot of the North Island, had its heaviest snowfall in 40 years.
Airports were shut in Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin, where 150 stranded passengers were forced to stay the night.
Most main roads in the South Island were impassable. Police also closed the two main highways linking Auckland and Wellington on the North Island.
A low-pressure system is deepening to New Zealand's south-east and has combined with a large high to the west to pull a polar air mass unusually far north over the nation, Josh Fisher, senior meteorologist with Weatherzone, said.
The low is also generating gale force winds, which are creating blizzard conditions in some areas, he said.
This once-in-a-lifetime event has already dropped 10 to 20 centimetres of snow over Christchurch and more is expected through today.
The city is also dealing with strong winds that have lead to power outages.
Snow has also fallen in Wanganui on the North Island for the first time since about 1974, Mr Fisher said.
The Antarctic blast is now also reaching Auckland, he said. Snow is blanketing the regions peaks and the strong winds have toppled trees around the city. The cold and windy weather will continue until the middle of the week before easing.
DPA and smh.com.au
Weatherzone.com.au is owned by Fairfax Media, publisher of this website.
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Blanket of snow ... roads were treacherous in Christchurch this morning. Photo: Mark Cornell
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