MetService advises motorists heading into Wellington on Friday to take care. Strong winds are set to batter the capital for much of the day.
Weather warnings are in place for regions from Southland to Wairarapa, with 200mm of rain already recorded in Arthur's Pass.
Meteorologist Dan Corbett says the front is due to hit central districts at about midday.
He said wind gusts in Wellington could hit 140km per hour.
However, Hawke's Bay and Auckland will have good weather with the temperature likely to hit 26 degrees.
I don't mean to gloat, but after thunderstorms last night Christchurch has blue sky this morning l! #slightlygloating
— Anna Happy New Year (@missannajane) January 2, 2014
