Latest forecasts show the full impact of the storm will be felt overnight in the region.

Rosie Musters talks about preparing for Cyclone Gita as it makes its way to Nelson. / Tim Cuff

Locals are stocking up at supermarket before 150km/h winds arrive.

Authorities in Greymouth are making preparations for those who may be left without shelter as Cyclone Gita hits.

Earlier: Tropical Cyclone Oma will likely crash into Australia's Queensland coast over the weekend but it doesn't mean New Zealand is safe from a barrage of wet and wild weather.

"That doesn't necessarily mean that its going to have less of an impact on the country."

Cyclone Gita is expected to hit the South Island's west coast today.

Flights have been cancelled and roads are closed as Cyclone Gita begins to be felt.

The 26 students will hunker down in cabins during the cyclone.

The top of the south is expected to be hard hit as storm crosses island.

New Zealanders are eschewing traditional emergency items for something more luxurious.

Thousands of school students have the day off as the region braces for ex-Cyclone Gita.

You can ask for a cyclone to be named after you.

Tasman residents brace for cyclone while repairing damage from the last one.

EDITORIAL: Weather warnings are not predictions but it is worth heeding them.

Powerful swells, rain and winds are pounding NZ - and there are seven states of emergency.

A region by region breakdown of weather during Cyclone Gita.

Marlborough and West Coast camps fill up as tourists seek a safe haven before the storm.

Civil Defence Minister Kris Faafoi on Tropical Cyclone Gita after being briefed at MetService in Wellington. / Video by Mark Mitchell

MetService meteorologist Lisa Murray gives an update on what to expect from Cyclone Gita. / Video by Mark Mitchell

Marlborough, Nelson and Tasman are bracing for the arrival of Cyclone Gita.

The cyclone is expected to make a short-lived but potentially damaging landfall in various areas across New Zealand.

The storm is expected to bring 8-metre swells, wind gusts over 120km/h and heavy rain.

There are fears it could cause similar damage to 2014's Cyclone Ita.

The wet weather will arrive gradually from this evening on the West Coast.

As the ex-tropical cyclone bears down, be prepared, forecasters warn.