MetService meteorologist Brian Mercer said the front was the first major southerly of autumn and a sign the seasons were changing and winter was coming.
It was not unusual at this time of year to have the odd southerly front, Mr Mercer said.
There were reports of snow down to 700m across the South Island yesterday. The front would begin moving on in the South this morning and be replaced by relatively fine weather.
Cardrona Alpine Resort communications executive Jen Houltham said it was the first snow it had this season.
About 5cm of snow fell across the mountain, with drifts of between 10cm and 20cm in places, Ms Houltham said.
It was the first snow on the mountain since an unseasonal fall back in January.
Queenstown skifields had a smattering of snow yesterday afternoon as a cold southerly pushed through the resort.
Coronet Peak and The Remarkables, both operated by NZSki, were given an autumnal dusting as staff made preparations for the season.
Coronet Peak Ski Area manager Nigel Kerr said: ''It's more cold weather than snow.
''We've had a dusting around the base building and about 5cm up top, but it's certainly cold, nasty winter weather. We're all very happy to see it.''
The Remarkables skifield, at a higher elevation, had about the same amount of snow but it covered the skifield and some of the access road.
Unusually, the previous fall was 10cm on Valentine's Day. Both skifields are due to open in June.
Snow continued to fall on both skifields yesterday afternoon and had also left a dusting on other parts of the The Remarkables range and on Walter Peak.
High winds forced Jetstar to divert one flight from Melbourne to Queenstown yesterday morning.
Flight JQ-219 left the Australian city about 6am and was scheduled to land in the resort at 11.30am but was diverted.
The twin-jet Airbus A320 made a round trip to Christchurch, eventually landing at Queenstown shortly before 2.30pm.
The gusty southerlies do not appear to have caused any major damage.
Wind chill made the 7degC temperature feel much lower.
-Additionally reported by Vaughan Elder
