Long range weather forecasters are watching a nasty storm system heading down from the tropics.

WeatherWatch.co.nz says some computer models indicate a powerful cyclone hitting the top of the country around the middle of the month.

It's taking a cautious view, and says the storm may yet fizzle out before it gets this far.

Even so, there could be some cyclone hits for Vanuatu, the Solomon Islands, New Caledonia and even Fiji.