The Metservice have advised that a front will move up the South Island during Monday, bringing gale northwesterlies to exposed areas.

A Watch is also in force for the Canterbury High Country.

"Early on Tuesday, as the front moves across central New Zealand, there is low confidence that west to northwest winds could reach severe gale over parts of Wairarapa, the Tararua District, and Central Hawkes Bay,' says a MetService spokesperson.

"On Wednesday, Thursday and Friday a ridge of high pressure should bring mostly settled weather to the country, but on Thursday there is low confidence that rainfall accumulations will meet warning criteria over Fiordland as a front brushes the far south."