Wellington, Nov 27 NZPA - Severe gales are blasting the South Island.

The Automobile Association is warning drivers to take caution on roads across the central South Island and Otago because of the high winds.

In Invercargill, the Burt Munro Challenge race was cancelled tonight due to the weather, police said.

Thousands had been roaring into Invercargill for the four-day event, which kicked off yesterday with the Bluff Hill Climb.

Several hundred people gathered to watch the 1.4km hill sprint, the first time an uphill motorcycling race has been held in Bluff in 13 years.

The front was expected to crawl up the island.

Gale force winds were forecast for Wellington and Wairarapa tonight, the MetService said.

Anyone planning outdoor activities should keep up with the latest forecasts and be wary of rapidly rising rivers, it said.