The majority of the South Island should brace for some wild weather with MetService warning of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
MetService said a strong northwest flow followed by an active front with a "significant rain band" will move onto the western and lower South Island, before continuing to sweep northwards on Monday.
The forecaster warns the front is expected to bring a brief period of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and downpours possible about western parts of the South Island.
This has seen weather warnings and watches issued for most of the South Island and parts of the North Island.
An 'orange' heavy rain warning is in place for Westland from 5pm on Sunday to 7am on Monday and Fiordland from 12pm on Sunday until midnight.
MetService said these areas should expect up to 100mm of rain with peak rates of between 15-35mm/h in thunderstorms and possible downpours.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous," MetService said.
A heavy rain watch is also in place for Tararua Range, Buller, Headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers south of Mt Cook, Southland and Clutha.
MetService warns these areas could see periods of heavy rain with thunderstorms possible in the Tararua Range and Buller.
MetService has also issued a strong wind watch for Canterbury High Country, Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa, which could see northwest winds potentially approaching severe gale in exposed places.
Meanwhile, most of the North Island should see a sunny and fine day with Auckland and Hamilton expected to reach 23 degrees.
Tauranga is the place to be on Sunday, with a sunny day with a high of 24 degrees.
