The Bay of Plenty is expected to dodge the worst of this week's predicted blast of winter weather, but will not escape entirely.
South Islanders have been told to prepare for two days of snow beginning tomorrow.
Lower and Central North Island residents have been warned to expect severe gales, heavy rain and snow, as well as possible flooding on the East Coast brought on by strong onshore winds.
MetService meteorologist Ciaran Doolin said a front was expected to come up the South Island tomorrow.The weather was likely to worsen when it arrived in the North Island on Wednesday and hit a low-pressure system about eastern Hawkes Bay, sharpening winds and enhancing rain.
"The worst of it should be confined to the east, from Gisborne down, but the Bay of Plenty can still expect some of it as well," Mr Doolin said.