Winds gusting up to 130km/h are set to rattle parts of the South Island on Thursday and heavy rain is in store for other parts.
Strong northwesterlies followed by an active front will move northeast over the South Island today before crossing the North Island on Friday.
MetService said the front would bring downpours for the west of the South Island and heavy rain warnings had been issued.
![MetService has issued weather warnings for much of the South Island. Photo / Supplied](https://www.nzherald.co.nz/resizer/v2/ZQ65MAP3RWCGVH4QKMLTYK3DAA.jpg?auth=28502fc4778f168f955911a869c68e5868f3c83dd2a5599360b1e2ebe572d0c2&width=16&height=13&quality=70&smart=true)
Gale-force northwesterlies were expected to rattle southern and eastern areas of the South Island, as well as Wellington and Wairarapa, where strong wind warnings were in force.