Stormy weather means several Interislander ferry services have been cancelled

Metservice says severe gales are on the cards for Marlborough, with heavy snow in Canterbury and Marlborough.

Banks Peninsula's expected to get snow to 300-metres, while up to 30-centimetres of snow is forecast down to 400 metres about Lewis and Porters passes - until lunchtime.

The worst of the rain should be over for Christchurch by this evening..

Motorists are being warned to take extra care.