Rain, snow and wind are set to batter large parts of New Zealand over the coming days as MetService issues weather warnings and watches.
With the school holidays kicking off this weekend, MetService is urging Kiwis to take the weather into account for their travel plans.
MetService said a sub-tropical weather system that recently caused flooding in New South Wales is heading towards New Zealand, which will bring wild weather to many.
North Island
Bay of Plenty and Gisborne are under a heavy rain warning until 10pm on Friday, with MetService predicting up to 120mm rainfall. Streams and rivers could rise rapidly while surface flooding and slips are also possible.
Mount Taranaki doesn't escape the bad weather, with the area also under a heavy rain warning until 2pm on Friday.
MetService has also issued a heavy rain watch for Northland, Coromandel Peninsula, the Tongariro National Park, Rotorua and Bay of Plenty about and west of Opotiki while South Taranaki is under a strong wind watch.
South Island
Western parts of the South Island will see the worst of the weather in the South Island with MetService issuing heavy rain warnings for Tasman.
MetService warns Westland will see the largest amount of rainfall with up to 230mm predicted at intensities of 20mm/h.
The Canterbury High Country will also see the wild weather with a heavy snow warning issued from 4am to 11am on Friday.
"Rain is expected to turn to snow above about 400 metres for a time Friday morning with some heavy falls," MetService said.
"The largest snow accumulations are expected above about 700 metres, especially about the Mackenzie Basin. Expect 10 to 15cm of snow above 700 metres, with 5 to 10cm down to 400 metres."
Queenstown might also see some snow, with MetService issuing a heavy snow watch for the area from 4am to 10am on Friday.
A road snowfall warning is also in place for some of New Zealand's most iconic roads for Friday morning.
The warnings have been issued for Porters Pass (SH73), Lindis Pass (SH8) and Crown Range Road.
MetService has also issued a heavy rain watch for Buller and Westland from Otira northwards.
