Boaties are being urged to think sensibly as wet and blustery conditions continue to storm the Bay of Plenty heading into the Easter break.

The MetService has issued a severe weather warning for the area with wind gusts expected to reach about 110km/h as a subtropical low moves across the North Island.

Photo: File.

And though the focus is squarely on land with power outages and road closures throughout the area boaties are not forgotten, reminded to keep dry unless necessary.

Tauranga Coastguard operations manager Simon Barker says so far there are no reported incidents out on the water but advises boaties to think smart.

'No there is nothing out there at all and I think people are heeding the warnings,” says Simon.

'I think the only thing really is what we say every time; check the weather and let someone know where you are going.”

With MetService forecasting the weather to gradually improve during the Easter weekend Maritime New Zealand and Police are also linking up to spread the word on safety to recreational boaties.

MNZ maritime officer Domonic Venz says if people are seen acting dangerously action will be taken ensuring boaties are aware of what they can, and should, be doing to stay safe.

'We know it's a holiday weekend and people will be taking the opportunity to get out on the water if the weather allows, but it's important that skippers take responsibility so that everyone gets back to shore safely,” says Domonic.

'Every boat should have enough suitable lifejackets for everyone on board – that's the law – and we recommend that lifejackets are worn at all times on vessels under 6m in length.

He says boaties should be checking the weather before they go out, and have two forms of communication that will work when wet in case of an emergency.

If boaties are relying on cellphones for communication they should be in sealable plastic bags – there's one in each safe boating pack. Ziplock bags are a cheap and effective way to keep phones dry and usable.

MetService Media and Communications Meteorologist Daniel Corbett says the ugliest part of the weekend weather will be on Thursday.

'Once the strong winds and heavy rain ease away, it will look far quieter and brighter. This should happen by Easter Sunday."

The intense band of rain and strong to severe gales will sink south to engulf central parts of New Zealand by the end of Thursday followed by slowly improving weather in the far north.

The wet and windy weather will still affect eastern parts of the South Island early on Good Friday, but it will improve gradually here too as the tropical low drifts south away from the country.

Coastguard New Zealand chief executive Patrick Holmes says during last year's Easter break coastguard carried out 120 rescue missions and he is anticipating an increase this year as people take a last break before the cooler months hit.

'It can get crowded out there and people should adjust their speed and course in line with both the conditions and the applicable guidelines,” says Paul.

Preparation and safety should remain top of mind for those heading out on the water, and at this stage of the boating season people may slip into a false sense of security if they have been using their boat regularly.

'Of the 120 rescues last Easter, over half – 55 per cent – were due to mechanical and electrical issues. It is a pattern we've seen before.

'Before heading out this holiday, please ensure your boat is water-ready. Check electrical connections for corrosion, make sure your boat batteries are fully charged, that you have plenty of fuel for the trip, that your life jackets are in good condition and ensure you have at least two forms of communication to call for help if required, ideally a marine VHF radio as your main form of communication.”