Snow on New Zealand’s North Island for first time in 40 years

New Zealand’s North Island has seen snowfall for the first time in four decades.

People getting flights to New Zealand‘s North Island could be lucky enough to see snow there after there were flurries for the first time in 40 years.

A heavy blanket of snow, which has been described as being a once in a lifetime event by meteorologists, has landed on the country in recent days.

The capital city of Wellington has seen snow for the first time since the 1970s, which has resulted in some schools and businesses in the city deciding to close.

More snow has been predicted for the area and the country’s Civil Defence has recommended that people take steps to ensure they have the provisions they need.

Prime Minister John Key has described it as being a “winter wonderland” and added “I can’t personally recall seeing snow in downtown Wellington.

Last week, heavy snowfall had been predicted for Christchurch and Canterbury, which may have tempted some people on flights to New Zealand to add a trip to the South Island into their itinerary.

Written by Alex Cochrane