MetService says gale force winds buffeting much of the country will gradually ease on Saturday.
A very strong west to southwest flow is expected to remain over the country until Saturday, producing gales for much of the South Island as well as the lower and central North Island.
In exposed parts of the lower South Island, severe gale gusts of 120 kilometres an hour are expected on Friday night.
In Nelson, Wairarapa, Hawke's Bay, Bay of Plenty and Coromandel gusts of 130 kilometres an hour are likely through to Saturday morning.
MetService says winds of this strength can damage trees, powerlines and insecure structures.
