Strong winds and heavy rain are forecast to blast the much of the South Island today.
Winds are expected to reach 130kmh in Canterbury, Otago, Southland and Fiordland.
Rainfall of 120mm to 160mm was forecast for mountains in Westland and Fiordland and would be significant in Canterbury and Otago.
"These winds may damage trees and power lines, and the rain may produce rapidly rising rivers," MetService spokesman Bob McDavitt said.
Driving conditions were likely to be hazardous.
The front was expected to weaken gradually as it moved onto central New Zealand over the weekend, he said.
