Wellington, March 15 NZPA - A cold front forecast to hit New Zealand tomorrow will result in abrupt temperature drops in the South Island.

Queenstown is forecast to reach 20degC during the day, then plunge to 2degC on Wednesday morning, said MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt.

Christchurch and Dunedin are forecast to experience similar drops in temperature.

The front may also bring heavy winds of up to 100kmh, and a dusting of snow for the high ground of South Otago, Mr McDavitt said.

The cold front was expected to become less severe as it moved over the southern North Island.