???1;A mix of strong gales and wet weather is punching through the South Island

MetService has issued a heavy rain warning for Fiordland, and the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, with a heavy rain watch for the ranges of Westland.

A strong wind warning's also in place for the Canterbury High Country.

Meteorologist John Law, says precautions should be taken in parts of the lower, and central areas of the South Island.

He says gusts could reach 100-kilometres an hour, in exposed areas.