MetService says it's unsure of the exact path of Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle as it approaches New Zealand.

The low-pressure system was named as Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle by Australia's Bureau of Meteorology on Wednesday afternoon.

The storm's name comes after the tropical disturbance in the Coral Sea off the coast of Queensland developed into a category one cyclone.

MetService says the cyclone is likely to become a category three over the next 24 hours and could approach Northland late on Sunday.

"Although by the time it draws close to the top of the North Island it will have lost its tropical characteristics, it is still expected to be an intense weather system," says meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane.

"Likely impacts of this system include heavy rain, gale force winds and large waves leading to dangerous coastal conditions for the upper North Island into early next week."

-RNZ.