Temperatures plunge across New Zealand during widespread cold snap

Thursday 6 August 2026 · 3 outlets · 5 reports · updated Thu 6 Aug, 6:37am

In this story MetService, Transpower

A significant cold snap has caused temperatures to drop across much of the country, with Mount Cook airport recording -10C on Thursday morning. MetService reported that Auckland has experienced its coldest conditions since 2021, while Taumarunui recorded one of its coldest temperatures since records began in 2007.

How they headlined it

5:57am6:37am

1. The PressThu 6 Aug, 5:57am

   Temperatures ‘feel like’ -6C in Christchurch (opens in new tab)

   Also on The Post (opens in new tab)

2. 1NewsThu 6 Aug, 6:37am

   North Island town registers near-record low as cold snap bites (opens in new tab)

   • Mount Cook records -10C as sub-zero temps set in - MetService (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 6:37am
   • Temperatures plunge to near-record levels as cold snap digs in (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 6:37am
   • One spot hits -10C as sub-zero temperatures bite - MetService (opens in new tab) Thu 6 Aug, 6:37am