The MetService is predicting a wild start to 2014, with rain and storms in popular holiday spots.
Forecaster Dan Corbett says tranquil weather in much of New Zealand will be short-lived.
From early on Wednesday, a wet weather system sitting out to the west of the country will work its way inland.
Holiday-makers in coastal areas, including Mt Mauanganui, are likely wake up to heavy downpours and thunderstorms.
Mr Corbett says popular spots in the South Island, such as Wanaka and Queenstown, will be cold and wet, but should clear by Thursday.
