WeatherWatch.co.nz compares the storm to Hurricane Katrina, only bigger.

Overnight, areas of Central Otago and Southland saw up to 30 cm (12 inches) of snow, according to Metservice.

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11454421

Thanks to Lyn Roberts for this link