Holiday makers in the lower South Island are having to batten down the hatches, with some powerful gales expected.

MetService has issued a severe weather warning for northwesterly gales from Central Otago to the Canterbury Plains.

Meteorologist Sarah Garlick said campers must peg down their tents and secure loose property.

She said anyone driving motorcycles and high sided vehicles should take care.

The winds are expected to ease this afternoon.

Severe westerlies are also on the way in the North Island, they're expected to reach 120 kilometres an hour in Hawkes Bay and the Tararua District.

They'll pick up late this afternoon and ease by lunch time tomorrow.