Tropical cyclone Tauranga-bound

Tauranga is expected to receive a battering of rain and gale force winds as a tropical cyclone heads to New Zealand.

Metservice predicts strong southeasterly winds to hit the region on Saturday, bringing with it heavy rain fall expected to stay until Sunday.

Winds are expected to change to northeasterlies on Sunday but the rain and winds are forecast to continue until at least next Thursday.

Tropical Cyclone Lusi is expected to travel from Vanuatu to the north part of New Zealand this weekend.

Forecasters expect Lusi to grow into a Category 3 or 4 cyclone but to then be technically downgraded before reaching New Zealand waters on Friday.

It is possible the storm will retain its Category 1 or 2 strength.