Winds are gaining in strength over the South Island this morning, as an approaching depression deepens in the Tasman sea.

Wanaka is reporting northerlies up to gale force, with Queenstown receiving blows approaching a gale.

In the deep south, winds are topping the 100kph mark on the south coast.

Winds are expected to increase over much of the country today with heavy rain in some western regions. Out east, conditions are expected to be mostly dry and mild but windy.

Main centres

Auckland 16

Hamilton 13

Tauranga 14 (and wet)

Wellington 14

Christchurch 15

Dunedin 10