Aggressive and large storms in the Southern Ocean will early this week brush the country, bringing strong to gale force winds as it does so.

The low, which will remain well south of New Zealand, is pushing against higher air pressure to the north west of the country - resulting in a squash zone right over the nation.

Winds from the westerly quarter will build in the south on Monday becoming gusty in most places on Tuesday. Strongest winds are likely to be through central New Zealand, mainly the eastern coastline of the North Island across Wairarapa, Hawkes Bay and Gisborne.

MetService says there's a low risk of gales becoming severe for a time in the Tararua District and Central Hawkes Bay.

This is first of two windy periods over the next seven to 10 days with more strong winds arriving this coming weekend, created by a low in the Tasman Sea.

Looks like spring is here!