Snow is reported to be falling on the Desert Road this summer.

A Tauranga woman whose family is on holiday at the top of Mt Ruapehu says they decided to have a summer holiday in the area and took a gondala ride up the mountain when they discovered snow falling.

Other people have also taken to social media reporting snow on the Desert Road.

The MetService has forecast a wet and cold start to 2025.

An extra jumper will continue to be a summer companion this weekend with southerly winds bringing a chill to the eastern and southern parts of the North and South Islands, said the weather organisation.

"Temperatures look well cooler than average for the time of year, with highs of 14°C in Wellington on Sunday, 15°C in Christchurch and Dunedin, and 18°C in Napier and Hastings.

"By Monday, much of the South Island will enjoy a settled day with sunshine in the afternoon, a welcome start for those heading back to work.

"For the North Island, the weekend pattern continues into Monday, with cool showers in the south and east, and the odd shower elsewhere."