A clear message to people in the firing line of destructive winds tomorrow - stay indoors, avoid travel and secure property

Rare Red Wind Warnings are in place for Wellington, southern Wairarapa, Canterbury, Kaikoura and southern Marlborough.

A local State of Emergency's been declared for Canterbury, while the National Emergency Management Agency has activated its National Coordination Centre.

Wellington's Metlink train services have also been cancelled between 8am and 6pm tomorrow.

Gusts could reach up to 150 kilometres an hour.

Civil Defence controller James Thompson says there was a high wind event like this about a month ago in Canterbury.

He says it was predicted, but wasn't as bad - whereas NIWA and MetService say this one will be significant.