Snow has been falling at Mt Hutt as a blast of cold southerlies sweeps across the South Island, bringing wintry conditions to Canterbury.

A MetService spokesperson told Chris Lynch Media the cold air has moved through the region, lowering temperatures and dropping the snow level, particularly in the high country. Periods of heavy rain have also helped push the freezing level down.

Snow levels in the Canterbury high country have dropped to around 1200 metres at times, with the Mt Hutt base camera showing visible snowfall.

In Christchurch, temperatures have sat around 12°C for much of the day.

Meanwhile, a rain watch remains in place for Marlborough south of Seddon and Canterbury north of Amberley, and is expected to remain until 10pm on Tuesday.