MetService is warning of severe weather throughout the country.
The forecaster says strong winds could reach galeforce in Wellington, Wairarapa and Central Hawke's Bay on Thursday night and Friday.
These will spread to Northland, Auckland and the Coromandel Peninsula, while westerly gales are expected about exposed coastal places of Southland and Clutha.
Another front will bring heavy rain over Fiordland and Westland late on Friday and Saturday.
