Heavy rain is on the way for New Zealand Wednesday afternoon, night and Thursday as a large low moves in from the west and crosses the North Island.

Rain is likely to turn to snow at higher altitudes in the South Island, which may affect some alpine passes.

Heavy rain warnings are currently in force with watches also being issued.

Heavy rain may also spiral into Canterbury on Thursday - but so far conditions there have been dry and frosty.

I spoke to Jeanette Maxwell, Vice Chair of Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre, based in Rakaia, Canterbury.

Jeanette says conditions aren't too extreme this year with overnight lows where they are reaching the -7 mark, which she says is normal.  It's creating the usual pipe and tap problems but nothing out of the ordinary.

The heavy rain in May created boggy conditions across their farm but the rolling nature of the property meant the water has drained out with semi-permafrost conditions setting in.

Jeanette was very cautious to say that it's been mild lately and also noticed the absence of southerlies this winter - but wouldn't mind them arriving soon to get them out of the way before spring!

Well, we may not even see them in spring, Jeanette, if this pattern continues.  It shows no signs of changing, at least for the rest of this month.