Severe gales are set to batter both islands this Easter Sunday, spelling a blustery end to the long weekend.
Large swathes of the South Island have been issued strong wind warnings by MetService, with the lower North Island also set to face wild northwesterlies and severe gusts.
The turbulent weather is expected to continue into Easter Monday, potentially disrupting holidaymakers and their long weekend getaways.
A strong northwest flow blanketing the South Island and lower North Island will be followed by a cold front on Sunday afternoon, MetService says. The front will slowly shift northeast, reaching the Cook Strait by late Monday.
"A ridge over the north and deep lows zipping eastwards over the Southern Ocean have compressed the isobars across Aotearoa, resulting in strong winds," MetService explained on Sunday.
"This pressure pattern continues Monday, but Tuesday sees the isobars open up, as a ridge builds over much of the country."
The strong gusts could cause damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures, MetService warns, with motorcyclists and drivers of high-sided vehicles urged to take extra care on the roads.
"The northwesterly flow has been well cranked up this morning… take great care in whatever means of transport you have, especially bikes and high-sided vehicles."
As of 12pm on Sunday, Southwest Cape, Puysegur Point, Castlepoint and Gore have reported the highest gusts so far, recording winds of 178km/h, 154km/h, 131km/h and 117km/h respectively.
Here are the warnings currently in place.
North Island
The Tararua District and Wairarapa, north of Masterton
A strong wind warning is in place for the Tararua District and the northern Wairarapa from 10am on Sunday until 2pm on Monday.
Meteorologists are forecasting northwest winds and severe gales gusting up to 120km/h in exposed places. The winds are expected to gradually ease on Monday.
South Island
Canterbury High Country
A strong wind warning is in place for Canterbury High Country for 27 hours from 8am on Sunday to 11am on Monday.
MetService is forecasting northwest winds and severe gales gusting up to 130km/h in exposed places. Winds may briefly ease on Sunday evening.
North Otago and Dunedin
A strong wind warning is in place for North Otago and Dunedin for eight hours from 8am to 4pm on Sunday.
Residents can expect northwest winds and severe gales gusting up to 120km/h in exposed places. Winds are likely to ease from Sunday afternoon.
Southern Fiordland (south of Manapouri), Southland and Clutha
A strong wind warning is in place for Southern Fiordland, Southland and Clutha for five hours on Sunday from 8am to 1pm.
MetService says northwest winds and severe gales gusting up to120km/h in exposed places can be expected until early on Sunday afternoon.
Coastal Southland is likely to face a blustery start to Easter Monday, with a period of westerly gales forecast for the morning.
A number of areas are also being monitored for severe gales, with four areas currently under a strong wind watch.
North Island
Wellington and Wairarapa, south of Masterton
A strong wind watch is in place for the Wellington region and southern Wairarapa for 28 hours, beginning at 10am on Sunday and ending 2pm on Monday.
Meteorologists warn northwesterlies may become severe gales in exposed areas.
South Island
Marlborough
A strong wind watch is in place for Marlborough for 24 hours from 11am on Sunday to 11am on Monday.
Northwesterly winds may become severe gale in exposed places, MetService warns.
Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains
A strong wind watch is in place for Christchurch and the Canterbury Plains for 25 hours from 8am on Sunday to 9am on Monday.
Exposed areas may face severe gales, according to MetService.
Central Otago and Southern Lakes
A strong wind watch is in place for Central Otago and Southern Lakes for eight hours from 8am to 4pm on Sunday.
Like the above areas, the region may be battered by severe gales in exposed places.
An update on the wild weather will be issued by MetService before 9pm on Sunday.
