Boaties warned leading up to Cyclone Lusi

It will be rocky out on the water this weekend and Bay of Plenty boaties are being advised to check their boat's moorings before Cyclone Lusi reaches the Bay.

The Ministry of Civil Defence & Emergency Management is advising people to prepare for possible severe weather this weekend.

Tropical Cyclone Lusi is being monitored by the Ministry as it moves from Vanuatu, past Fiji to New Zealand. They expect Lusi to arrive over northern New Zealand on Saturday or early Sunday, and then to track southwards over central New Zealand before moving out to sea east of the South Island on Monday.

While the cyclone is expected to change to a sub-tropical weather system as it approaches New Zealand, but it is still expected to be a dangerous storm, with severe weather is likely to affect many regions from Northland down to Canterbury.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council Maritime Operations Manager Reuben Fraser said boat owners should be prepared for severe weather and make sure their boats were secured.

"It's not going to be a weekend for a jaunt on the water," he said.

Widespread bad weather could include heavy rain for the northeast of the North Island from Northland to Bay of Plenty and northern Gisborne. Gale force winds are predicted for most areas of the North Island and upper South Island, with severe or damaging gales in some places.

Large coastal waves and storm surge are expected for the northeast of the North Island, especially from Northland to Bay of Plenty.

People are advised to keep up to date with official weather warnings and forecasts from Metservice over the next few days.