A cold front from the Tasman Sea is tracking towards the western side of New Zealand today, after delivering a blast of wind and rain to southern Australia in recent days.

The front will move onto the South Island and sweep the western side northwards to reach the North Island on Wednesday.

Heavy rainfall is expected in Westland from Tuesday night to Wednesday morning, says WeatherWatch.co.nz

"Up around East Cape and Gisborne and a stationary front over the north eastern tip of the North Island will decay during Tuesday. (this is not related to the Tasman Sea system moving in). Yet there will be light showery rain over parts of eastern Bay of Plenty and Gisborne until Tuesday night.

"A period of briefly heavy rain or showers are possible in the upper North Island during Wednesday evening and night.

"North to north west winds bring warmth to the country today and tomorrow, especially for the eastern side of both islands."

Maximum temperatures in Tuesday and Wednesday will be significantly higher than usual, by several degrees, says the weather organisation.