Heavy rain and strong winds are set to batter parts of the country on Sunday and Monday, according to MetService.
The forecaster issued nearly a dozen severe weather warnings and watches on Sunday morning.
Western regions of the South Island/Te Waipounamu can expect heavy rain to arrive on Sunday evening as an active front moves east.
Further north, heavy rain is also forecast for Mt Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga, arriving Monday morning.
There may also be possible severe northwest gales for parts of central New Zealand, MetService said.
People are urged to check the latest forecasts as weather warnings may be added or upgraded.
Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly, as well as surface flooding, slips, and hazardous driving conditions.
Mt Taranaki/Taranaki Maunga
A heavy rain warning (orange) applies here from 10am to 7pm on Monday. Expect up to 100mm of rain, with peak rainfall of up to 20mm per hour on Monday afternoon and evening.
Westland District ranges
A heavy rain warning (orange) applies from 8pm Sunday to 1pm Monday. Up to 180mm of rain is forecast overnight, especially about and south of Mount Cook/Aoraki. There is a low chance it may be upgraded to a red warning.
Headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers
A heavy rain warning (orange) lasts from 8pm Sunday until 8am Monday. Expect up to 140mm of rain about the main divide, and up to 100mm of rain within 20km east of the divide. After the warning expires, further rain is forecast, but MetService says it's likely to fall as snow on the ranges.
Fiodland about and north of Doubtful Sound
The final heavy rain warning (orange) applies here from 5pm Sunday until 6am Monday. Up to 150mm of rain is forecast, heaviest north of Milford Sound. Peak rainfall could reach 20mm per hour overnight Sunday.
Buller, Tasman west of Motueka
A heavy rain watch (yellow) applies here on Monday from 7am to 4pm. A period of heavy rain is expected, MetService says, and there's a moderate chance it'll be upgraded to a warning (orange).
Headwaters of Canterbury lakes and rivers
In areas south of Arthur's Pass, a heavy rain watch (yellow) applies from midnight Sunday until 1pm Monday. There will be periods of heavy rain, with a moderate chance of being upgraded to an (orange) warning.
Canterbury High Country
Meanwhile, in the region's high country, a strong wind watch (yellow) will last from 11pm Sunday until 10am Monday. Northwest winds could approach severe gale-force in exposed places.
Wellington
A strong wind warning (orange) applies to the capital region on Monday, from 12pm to 7pm. Expect severe northerly winds gusting at 120km/h in exposed places. MetService urges people to be alert for damage to trees, powerlines, and any unsecured structure.
Wairarapa
In areas of Wairarapa south of Carterton, a strong wind watch applies on Monday from 2pm to 8pm. Northwest winds may approach severe gale-force in exposed places, with a low chance of being upgraded to a warning (orange).
Taranaki, Taihape, Whanganui
In south Taranaki, as well as Taihape and inland Whanganui, a strong wind watch (yellow) applies on Monday from 12pm to 6pm. Northerly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places. There's a moderate chance it could be upgraded to a warning (orange).
Marlborough
For inland and northern parts of the region, a strong wind watch (yellow) applies on Monday from 9am to 5pm. Northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places, with a low chance of upgrading to a warning (orange).
