In Christchurch and Ashburton the rain will ease on Friday afternoon but temperatures will remain cool with 10-11 deg C expected.
Strong south-westerlies are expected in the afternoon, rising to gales in exposed places on Banks Peninsula, said MetService meteorologist Robb Kerr.
Kaikoura may also get gale force winds on Friday afternoon, he said.
"Particular care should be taken by people travelling along the Kaikoura Coast this evening, as parts of the road are quite exposed, so people should be very cautious while driving," he said.
"Road users should be wary of other high-sided vehicles around you as well, so just be cautious with travel on that road overnight."
Christchurch, Ashburton and Kaikoura will wake up to a cloudy day on Saturday with a few showers but it should clear up by the afternoon.
Sunday morning will have periods of rain, then a few showers for Christchurch and Kaikoura, before a southerly winds hit in the afternoon.
Light snow is forecasted for the Canterbury high country, with 1-2cm down to 400m.
