Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds to batter New Zealand before Christmas

Heavy rain and strong winds are forecast to strike New Zealand in the days leading up to Christmas, MetService says.

Wellington and Wairarapa are set to be pounded by gusts of 90km/h across the day while 22 hours of rain is forecast for the hills and ranges of coastal Waikato.

Forecaster Matthew Ford told the Herald the band of rain, which sat across the South Island yesterday, would move on to the North Island today.

“For the South Island, it leaves some showers here and there in the western areas and it becomes mainly fine in the east, with perhaps just one or two showers left around,” he said.

In the North Island, Ford said the rain band would spread up from the west and linger across the centre of the North Island for much of today.

🎄☀️Kia ora & Merry Christmas. Don’t get caught out by the weather. We’ve got a quick look at the holiday forecast so you’ll know what’s coming, whether you’re keen for a day at the beach, heading out on the boat, pitching the tent, or a backyard barbecue. 🏖️😎 @MetService pic.twitter.com/oV1ksU8gfc

— NIWA Weather (@NiwaWeather) December 18, 2025

There is a strong wind watch from this morning for Wairapapa up to Hawke’s Bay, and for Wellington.

Winds are expected to climb to 90km/h in exposed areas before easing in the afternoon.

For Christmas Eve, the North Island is forecast to experience westerly winds with rain moving north across Auckland, Northland and the Bay of Plenty.

“It should be up around Auckland by midday,” Ford said.

“It will gradually weaken as it moves northwards. By the end of the day, it will be up around Northland, but it should be some showers by then.”

Ford said western parts of the South Island would experience showers and cloud, while fine weather was forecast for eastern parts.

A heavy rain watch is in force for the Tararua Range until 12pm, while a heavy rain watch is forecast to begin at 11am until 9am tomorrow for the hills and ranges of Waikato and Waitomo and near the coast from Raglan.

Ford said temperatures on the eastern side of New Zealand could move into the high 20s today and tomorrow.

“Today, Blenheim is forecast to be 30C and on Christmas Eve, Napier is forecast to be 30C.”

Auckland is forecast to reach a high of 25C today and 23C tomorrow, while Hamilton is set to reach 24C today and 23C tomorrow.

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