The Antarctic freezer is set to open on New Zealand as blistering cold temperatures whip across the country next week.

Southerlies will push frigid air up from the Antarctic region, bringing with it the coldest weather of 2018 so far.

"Enjoy the warm weather while it lasts!" MetService warns.

"An airmass change is expected to bring some colder temperatures on Monday and Tuesday. The imagery attached shows colder temperatures creeping up the country behind a cold front likely to bring snow to the higher ground."