Heavy rain and severe northwesterly gales are expected to affect large parts of the country over the weekend, with the heaviest falls concentrated on the west of the South Island.
MetService has issued three orange heavy rain warnings and an orange strong wind warning alongside a raft of heavy rain and strong wind watches.
The ranges of the Westland District are first in line for the inclement weather with an orange heavy warning in place from 2am on Saturday until 6pm.
Total rainfall of 160mm to 200mm is expected with 20 to 25mm an hour expected as the weather peaks on Saturday afternoon.
The headwaters of the Canterbury lakes of rivers from Arthurs Pass will experience a simultaneous soaking with 160mm to 200m to fall between 3am and 5pm on Saturday.
Peak rainfall rates of 20 to 25mm an hour are expected for Saturday morning around the main divide and snow is possible above 1600m.
Severe northwesterly gusts of 120km/h are forecast to accompany the rain from 1am until 1pm across the Canterbury High Country, prompting MetService to issue a strong orange wind waring.
The forecaster said this could cause damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures.
As the warnings end on the West Coast and areas of Canterbury, an orange heavy rain warning comes into effect across the Tararua Range.
Beginning at 6pm on Saturday and lasting through until early Sunday morning, 70mm to 100mm of rain is expected to fall across the ranges. Peak rates of 15 to 20mm/h is expected early on Sunday morning.
Surface flooding, slips and difficult driving conditions are possible across all three areas, and MetService warns that streams and rivers may rise rapidly.
There is a minimal chance these warnings will be upgraded to red warnings, the forecaster added.
People can keep up to date with the latest weather watches and warnings on the MetService website.