UPDATED 8.46pm: Around 400 homes across Taupo Plains and Hawkes Bay still have no electricity tonight - and probably wont for several more days.

While Unison Networks says around 100 customers have now had their power restored, field crews still face an extensive restoration programme.

The weekend's wild weather brought down around 150 33kV poles, and about 50 11kV poles across the Taupo Plains - and area now covered in snow about one meter deep.

Unison's Danny Gough said they have to wait for snow to melt or be cleared before they can begin repairs.

Mr Gough said dairy farmers with cows to milk should organise portable generation if they can.

An aerial survey has revealed severe damage to the power network feeding Tutira, Patoka, Ridgemount/Pohokura, Puketiri, Esk Valley and Otamauri.

Spokesman Danny Gough said crews have been surveying the damage from helicopters, and on the ground, where they can get in.

"Unfortunately, there does appear to be extensive damage to the network with a number of poles and lines down."

Danny Gough said restoration will take some time and people should prepare for the possibility of days without power.

"Our plan now is to really prioritise where we can get in there and restore power as safely and quickly as possible, and then look to try and get the power on for the good folks in those areas. But it is a challenge."

The chilly weather continues to impact some of the central North Island's key highways.

The Desert Road and the Napier-Taupo Road both remain closed due to snow.

State Highway 38 between Murupara and Wairoa is open between Murupara and Ruatahuna, after overnight snow cleared.

Whakatane District Council roading manager Martin Taylor said it's down to one lane in places due to large slips.

"There might be a bit more snow up that way tonight which might make conditions driving up there a bit dangerous."

"We certainly advise care for anyone needing to or wanting to travel up that way."

The Wairoa side is still snowed in and unlikely to be cleared till some time tomorrow.

A number of roads have also been impacted by snow in Central Otago, but the main highways are open.

Canterbury police are asking people driving through the Greta Valley to take care as there is ice on the road.