MetService is warning of strong winds becoming severe gales around coastal Southland from early Sunday.
Forecasters say parts of Stewart Island, exposed headlands like Bluff, and the lee of the hills near Riverton and the southern Catlins could be severely hit.
They say homeowners are being warned of possible damage to trees, powerlines and insecure roofs.
The risk stems from a deep low pressure zone far to the South of New Zealand.
