People in the South Island should prepare for wild weather over the coming days, with snow, rain and wind to lash the area.
MetService said a northwest flow strengthens across central and southern New Zealand on Monday and Tuesday, while embedded fronts are expected to move across the South Island bringing periods of heavy rain to western areas.
A deep low is then forecast to move eastwards just to the south of the South Island on Tuesday night, followed by a strong and cold southwest change.
It has seen MetService issues a swathe of weather warnings and watches for the bottom of the North Island and the majority of the South Island.
NIWA warns "damaging wind" could be an issue for the lower South Island, with gusts getting above 100km/h on Tuesday evening.
The wind could cause damage to property and power cuts are likely, according to NIWA.
Parts of the North Island could also be in the firing line with Hauraki Gulf Weather warning a robust polar injected upper trough is set to hit on Wednesday.
Hauraki Gulf Weather is projecting snow for the upper North's Island ranges, as far north as the Kaimai range.
Weather warnings and watches
The bottom of the North Island is in the firing line with an orange strong wind warning in place for Wellington, Wairarapa about and south of Featherston, and Marlborough about and north of Ward including the Sounds from 6pm on Tuesday to 5am on Wednesday.
MetService warns the area should expect severe gale northwesterlies in exposed places, with gusts reaching 120 km/h.
"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles," MetService warns.
MetService has also issued wind, rain and snow watches for the majority of the South Island.
A heavy rain watch is in place for the ranges of Westland south of Otira, the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers, about and south of Arthur's Pass, the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers and Fiordland.
A heavy snow watch has also been issued for Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and inland parts of Dunedin, Southland, Clutha, and Fiordland, from late on Tuesday evening until 10am on Wednesday.
MetService warns snow is likely to fall down to 300m and further snow showers are possible on Wednesday evening.
Strong wind is also on the way for the South Island, with a watch in place for the eastern and southern regions.
A road snowfall warning is in place for some of the South Island's most iconic roads.
The warning is in place for Lindis Pass (SH8), Milford Road (SH94) and Crown Range Rd. The warnings are in place from Tuesday afternoon until at least 6pm for all the roads except Milford Rd, with that warning easing at 6am on Wednesday.
