MetService warns thunderstorms could bring gusts up to 100km/h.

A raft of severe weather warnings and watches are in place for the West Coast and top of the South Island, and for much of the upper North Island.

MetService says heavy rain, thunderstorms and strong winds will push across much of New Zealand from Thursday, with Taranaki at risk of warning-level falls.

MetService warns thunderstorms could bring gusts up to 100km/h.

Orange heavy rain alerts are active for Taranaki and eastern Bay of Plenty.

A severe thunderstorm watch is in place for the top half of the North Island.