Rain is being forecast for multiple places, including the Bay of Plenty, this week.

On Wednesday, a front preceded by a strong moist northwesterly flow will be moving east onto the south of the South Island, says MetService.

"There is then moderate confidence that rainfall amounts will reach warning criteria in Fiordland and a moderate confidence that severe northwesterly gales will affect the Canterbury high country, Otago, Southland and Fiordland."

MetService says there is low confidence that rainfall over the North Island ranges south of Lake Taupo will reach warning amounts.

On Thursday, the front moves northeast over the South Island and onto the lower North Island.

"There is high confidence that rainfall accumulations will reach warning amounts in Fiordland, Westland, Buller and the headwaters of the Otago and Canterbury lakes and rivers.

"There is moderate confidence in severe northwest gales for the Canterbury high country and foothills, Marlborough, Wellington and Wairarapa south of Carterton."

MetService says there is again low confidence that rainfall over the North Island ranges south of Lake Taupo will reach warning amounts.

"Note that a strong bitterly cold southwesterly flow is expected to affect the South Island on Friday.

"Snow showers could lower to near sea level in Fiordland and Southland. While warning amounts of snow are unlikely it could be enough to affect roads and bring stress to livestock."

A ridge of high pressure is expected to bring settled weather to New Zealand on Saturday.