(File image). Photo: 123RF
A strong wind watch is in place for the South Island's main divide, with winds set to pick up in Northland and Auckland from Saturday.
In the North Island, a strong wind watch is in place for Northland, 6am to 3pm Saturday, Auckland, Great Barrier Island and Coromandel Peninsula from 4am to midnight Saturday, and until 6am on Saturday for Tararua District and Hawke's Bay south of Hastings.
In the South Island, Canterbury High Country and the ranges of Marlborough south of Ward may see strong wind, with a warning in place until 9pm Friday.
On Thursday MetService said strong westerly quarter winds were expected to be widespread.
A MetService map showing the forecast weather for 10pm Friday 29 September. Photo: Screenshot / MetService
"Watches for strong winds are in place for areas of particular concern, though more may join the ranks as the weekend progresses."
MetService meteorologist Ngaire Wotherspoon said: "Northwesterly winds are expected to tip southwest around midday, marking Auckland's first strong southwesterly event since early August. Along with the wind, it's going to be rainy and temperatures will be dropping, so it's going to feel pretty grim."
Motorists travelling on State Highway One on the Kaikōura Coast should watch for big waves at Ohau Point north of the town from Friday afternoon until late on Saturday.
The waves were forecast to reach up to three and a half metres and traffic control will be in place if needed.
Waka Kotahi said crews will be monitoring roads and applying grit or anti-icing compound if necessary.
Heavy rain was expected for the South Island west coast from Sunday.