Updated: 2:59pm Gale force winds are whipping up trouble in Wellington, Christchurch, Dunedin and Invercargill.

Gusts of up to 100 kilometres per hour have been recorded in all four cities with more exposed places seeing gusts of up to 120kph.

MetService meteorologist Emma Blades says Wellington is used to the strong wind, but it's unusual for Christchurch, where some rooves have been blown loose.

"Some people have been reporting a trampoline took down their power line and they all think 'when's it going to ease?' but the good news is it is going to gradually ease as we go through to the evening hours today."

However she expects the winds to ease this evening.

"They are still blowing pretty strong. I was just having a look at Christchurch and they're still right up there but it is going to gradually ease as we go through the day."

There has been heavy rain this morning in the Tararua Range.