MetService is recommending extreme caution as strong gusts and heavy rain move up the country

Rain and wind warnings variously apply to Westland, Canterbury, Fiordland and Marlborough - and kick in tonight for Hawke's Bay, Wellington and Buller.

Meteorologist Thapi Makgabutlane says winds today and tomorrow could reach 130-kilometres an hour.

She says gusts could cause damage to trees and power lines - as well as dangerous driving conditions.

State Highway 88's opened to one lane in Dunedin, where a tree fell - and power's been restored to most of 900 properties in Dunedin and Mosgiel.