Severe wind and rain is forecast to batter central and southern parts of the country early in the week, with warnings in place in several regions.

The rest of the North Island, including the Bay of Plenty, is in for a calm week, with a period of rain for most areas on Monday, turning to showers about the western regions in the afternoon. 

In its latest weather update, the MetService said northerlies and showers could develop on Tuesday.

"Preceded by a strong northwest flow, an active front is set to move over New Zealand on Monday and Tuesday," said a spokesperson for the weather organisation.

MetService meteorologist Surprise Mhlongo said orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for Westland and Fiordland for 24 hours from 4am on Monday.

MetService has also issued rain watches for Southland from midday Monday to 3am Tuesday, and Stewart Island from 6am to 9pm on Monday.

Strong wind watches are in place across southern parts of the country including the Canterbury high country, Otago, Fiordland, Southland, and Stewart Island.

Mhlongo said the strong wind watch for Otago will be mainly inland for 18 hours starting at 3am on Monday. Winds may approach severe gales in places.

Wellington is also expected to live up to its reputation, with a strong wind watch in place for 12 hours from midnight on Monday. There will be north to northwest winds approaching a severe gale in places.