Downpours and gales are moving west-to east across the country tonight

Orange heavy rain warnings apply for parts of the Bay of Plenty, and the South Island's Tasman ranges, easing late tonight.

The Richmond and Bryant ranges are subject to a heavy rain watch until 10pm.

MetService Meteorologist John Law says the heaviest rain will hit the top of the South Island, then head north.

He says this will then move across the North Island, heaviest in the west.

Oblique winds gusting up to 95-kilometres an hour could hit Auckland's Harbour Bridge between 8 and 10pm, meaning lanes could close at short-notice.