A deepening low is going to brush the eastern coast of the North Island this weekend bringing rain, strong winds and big swells, says WeatherWatch.co.nz.

The centre of the low is unlikely to move over the country but it will most likely brush East Cape bringing strong, possibly gale, southerly winds to exposed places.

The deep low is also likely to bring large swells and rough seas to many eastern beaches, particularly from Gisborne to Napier.

MetService has indicated there is a possibility of rain and wind warnings for East Cape but currently only has low confidence.

The forecast for the South Island this weekend looks mostly settled.