MetService has issued severe weather warnings for much of New Zealand ahead of heavy rain and high winds overnight and on Wednesday.
The heaviest rain is expected about the Westland, Buller and Nelson ranges, and is expected to swell rivers in Otago and Canterbury between Mount Aspiring and the Rakaia River.
A heavy rain warning has also been issued for the central North Island, and the eastern Bay of Plenty ranges.
MetService warns streams and rivers in all these areas may rise quickly and surface flooding and slips are possible.
Gale force winds gusting up to 120 km/h an hour are also forecast for central New Zealand overnight and Wednesday morning.
