The orange level MetService warnings take effect from Sunday.
Significant heavy rain will fall in parts of the South Island from Sunday, and the North Island from Monday, MetService is forecasting.
Severe weather warnings are in force for parts of the South Island today.
600mm of rain could fall in the Tasman region in the coming days.
MetService issued orange rain warnings across New Zealand; Westland faces up to 450mm, worst since mid-2025's $50M floods. SH6 and key South Island highways face closure through Tuesday, impacting logistics and field operations across Westland and Marlborough.
Significant heavy rain will fall in parts of the South Island from Sunday, and the North Island from Monday, the MetService is forecasting.
Over the long weekend orange warnings will be in place for Tasman, Buller, Westland and the Richmond Ranges.
Authorities are urging holiday drivers to take extra care due to possible slips, floods and road closures.
Orange heavy rain warnings and flood warnings have been issued for a clutch of places in the South and North Islands, with authorities urging drivers to take extra care.
Travellers are urged to leave early to avoid heavy rain across key routes.
MetService said it is likely to “be a significant weather event affecting large parts of the country.”
A trough embedded in a humid northerly air flow is expected to bring heavy rain on King's Birthday.
Live - MetService is urging those in Golden Bay, Nelson, and the entire Northland region to prepare for potential flooding.
Live - Multiple highways are closing as heavy rain is expected throughout the night.
Up to 200mm of rain is possible in Northland, while Kaitāia has already had 30mm.
