Weather: Rain, wind to lash New Zealand, MetService warns of 'dangerous coastal conditions'

Kiwis are being warned about "active weather" with wind and rain to lash New Zealand in the early parts of this week. 

Most of New Zealand will see a rainy day on Monday with only the south and east of the South Island forecast to avoid the rain. 

NIWA warns rainfall totals by early Tuesday could exceed 50mm in Northland, Coromandel and the East Cape, while there will be moderate snowfall in the Alps.

"Active weather will affect the North Island tonight [Sunday] and Monday with moderate to heavy rain at times," NIWA warns. 

A strong wind watch is in place for Taranaki, the Chatham Islands, Hawke's Bay south of Hastings and the Tararua District, with MetService saying northeast winds may approach severe gale at times. 

MetService is also warning about "dangerous coastal conditions" for the North and South Islands on Tuesday and Wednesday. 

"Heavy southwesterly swell is forecast to affect western coastlines, starting in the South Island on Tuesday, then the North Island on Wednesday," MetService said. 

"These long-period waves carry a lot of energy and make for dangerous coastal conditions."