A heavy rain watch has been issued for Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula, Northland, Auckland - including Great Barrier Island, Central North Island mountains, and within 15 km east of the Divide from Arthurs Pass to the Dart River.

MetService said heavy rain and strong north to northeast winds are expected from late Monday into early Wednesday.

"A front moving east across the country is expected to bring heavy rain and strong north to northeast winds to several places.

"People are advised to keep up to date with the latest Warnings and Watches and check for additions and upgrades."

In the Bay of Plenty, the heavy rain watch is in place for 24 hours from 10am Tuesday July to 10am Wednesday July 30.

"Clear your drains and gutters to prepare for heavy rain. Avoid low-lying areas and drive cautiously. Periods of heavy rain and accumulations may approach warning criteria.Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions are possible."

In the Coromandel Peninsula, the heavy rain watch is in place from 6am - 11pm on Tuesday. In the central North Island mountain region, the heavy rain watch is in place from 12pm Tuesday to 4am Wednesday. 

Strong Wind Watch

A strong wind watch has been issued for Northland - from 5pm Monday to 10am Tuesday; Auckland and Great Barrier Island - from 10pm Monday to 3pm Tuesday; and the Coromandel Peninsula, eastern Waikato and the Bay of Plenty - from 6am - 10pm Tuesday. 

"Northeast winds may approach severe gale force in exposed places. [There is a] moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.

A strong wind watch has also been issued for the area about and south of the mountains and high-country from Taranaki to the Central Plateau (including inland Whanganui). This watch period is for 20 hours from 10pm Monday to 6pm Tuesday. 

"North to northeast winds may approach severe gale force in exposed places. [There is a] high chance of upgrading to a Warning. Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles."

People are urged to prepare their property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds, and to drive cautiously.