Wet weather and gales are forecasted to cut through the country today, and ease off tomorrow

MetService has issued a heavy rain watch for Tasman, Buller, Westland, Fiordland and Canterbury's Headwaters.

Wellington, Canterbury High Country, Otago and Southland are under a strong wind watch - with a chance of becoming a warning.

Meteorologist Brayden White, says rain and wind starts south, and briefly reach the upper North Island.

He says most of the country can expect rain at some point, but will clear the next day.