A big south to south west blast from Antarctica is coming towards New Zealand this weekend, and will also brush the south eastern corner of Australia (before high pressure rolls in there from the west).

The stormy weather around NZ will enhance in the days ahead, peaking this weekend and Monday with a snowy and windy set-up for some.

The positive news is that those in the east have a much drier weather pattern following all the recent rain.

We have your rain, snow and wind forecast out to Monday of next week as true winter weather finally arrives.