A polar blast dumped snow and freezing rain on New Zealand Monday, closing roads, cutting power and bringing areas of the country to a standstill.

Snow fell in Auckland for the first time in more than 30 years, while authorities warned residents of Wellington to stock up on supplies and stay put, as the capital experienced its worst snowfall in more than 50 years.

The frigid conditions forced the closure of the main roads to Queenstown, and closed off parts of 11 state highways on the South Island.

The snow began on Sunday, and forecasters expect the icy weather to last much of the week.