A severe weather watch issued for strong winds remains in force for the Bay of Plenty.

Severe west to southwest gales flow is affecting parts of New Zealand.

"A cold west to southwest flow affects New Zealand, bringing strong winds to many areas," says the latest update from the MetService.

"Strong wind warnings and watches remain in force.

"Please keep up to date with the latest forecasts in case any changes are made."

Strong Wind Watch

Area: Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane, including Rotorua
Valid: 10 hours from 3pm Tue 4 Jul to 1am Wed 5 Jul
Forecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Taupo, Taihape about and east of Mount Ruapehu and Hawke's Bay about and south of State Highway 5
Valid: 24 hours from 9am Tue 4 Jul to 9am Wed 5 Jul
Forecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Marlborough south of Blenheim and Kaikoura District
Valid: 9 hours from 9am Tue 4 Jul to 60pm Tue 4 Jul
Forecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Tasman District and Nelson City
Valid: 11 hours from 9am Tue 4 Jul to 8pm Tue 4 Jul
Forecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.

Area: Southland southeast of Riversdale, including Stewart Island
Valid: 4 hours from 9am Tue 4 Jul to 1pm Tue 4 Jul
Forecast: West to southwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.