The lower North Island and much of the South is set for a rough start to the weekend, with a number of severe weather warnings and watches in place.
The warnings were due to a "fast-moving" front crossing New Zealand today, MetService said.
The front will bring heavy rain to the West Coast and "severe gale northwest winds are possible for parts of central New Zealand".
Orange heavy rain warnings are in place for the ranges of Buller from 9am to 7pm today and for the ranges of the Westland and Grey Districts from 4am to 4pm today, with peak intensities of 20 to 30mm/h forecast.
"Expect 70 to 90 mm of rain with possible thunderstorms" in each place, MetService said.
"Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly.
"Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous."
Orange strong wind warnings are in place for Wellington and Wairarapa including the Tararua District from 1pm to 9pm today and for the Marlborough Sounds from midday to 7pm today, with peak gusts of 120km/h expected in exposed areas of both places.
"Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures," MetService said.
"Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."
Meanwhile, a number of other areas have also been put on notice.
Heavy rain watches are in place for Tasman west of Takaka including Nelson Lakes National Park from 10am to 7pm today and Canterbury headwaters north of the Rakaia River from 6am to 6pm today.
Strong wind watches are in place for Tasman west of Nelson from 10am to 6pm today and for Marlborough except for the Marlborough Sounds from 11am to 6pm today.
"Please stay up to date with latest forecasts as further regions may be upgraded or added," MetService said.
The forecast rain and wind is set to be accompanied by cooler temperatures ahead of a hot start to next week.
"Around and after Waitangi Day, our air will come from Aussie and could mean the hottest weather of the summer for some," NIWA has said, and anyone taking Monday off for a four-day weekend is set for a mixed bag.
Today, Aucklanders can expect a partly cloudy morning ahead of a windy afternoon and widespread showers tonight.
Wellington is in for a worse day, with "possibly heavy" rain accompanying the forecast wind this afternoon and evening.
Christchurch will see a relatively clear morning turn to showers in the afternoon with "possible thunderstorms and hail, easing late", MetService said.
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