A ridge of high pressure is expected to bring settled weather to much of New Zealand on Monday. says a MetService spokesperson.

"Strong northeasterlies are likely to affect the far north but severe gales are unlikely."

A front is expected to approach the west of the South Island on Tuesday and at this stage there is a moderate confidence that rainfall accumulations will reach warning amounts in Fiordland, Westland and Buller.

On Wednesday the front may move east onto the upper South Island and there is then a moderate confidence that rainfall accumulations will reach warning amounts in the north of Westland, Buller, Nelson and the north of Marlborough.

On Thursday a moist northerly flow may affect the west of the South Island and there is a low confidence that rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria for Fiordland, Westland and Buller.