Isolated thunderstorms were forecast to hit western regions across the South Island early this afternoon.
A few lighting strikes had been recorded this evening, a MetService spokeswoman said.
The active front - currently over Fiordland - continued to move towards the North Island from late this afternoon, but with a lower chance of thunderstorms.
Heavy rain warnings have been issued for the West Coast, Buller, Nelson, the north and west of Marlborough, Upper Hutt, and Mount Taranaki.
Watches are in place for heavy rain across Fiordland, Taranaki, Waitomo, Ruapehu, Wanganui, and Opotiki.
Windy and wet at your house? Well conditions aren't forecast to ease until an active front currently sitting over Fiordland (denoted by the line of lightning strikes) passes. Check the details on when the wind or rain is set to ease for your region at https://t.co/hnwmGxU1gR ^AC pic.twitter.com/PFVCjXhuAl