Strong wind warnings are in place for most of the South Island and parts of the lower North Island.

MetService said a strong north-westerly was hitting the country and would change to a south-westerly later on Monday.

Air New Zealand cancelled 25 flights and diverted five others on Monday morning, due to poor weather conditions across the country.

Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane told Morning Report some parts of the country were facing winds well over 100km/h.

Gusts could reach 130km/h.

Air New Zealand cancelled 25 flights and diverted five others on Monday morning because of the bad weather.

There was also a heavy rain warning for Westland, along with road snowfall warnings for mountain passes.

NIWA said there has been more than 6500 lightning strikes over the South Island and the sea since midnight.

Follow the RNZ liveblog for the latest weather updates:

- RNZ.