Hundreds of Kaikōura households were forced to leave their homes amid flooding.

Up to 400mm of rain is forecast for northern Canterbury and Marlborough.

Follow our liveblog above for the latest updates

The Kowhai river breached its banks at 10.26am.

Follow our liveblog above for the latest updates

Follow our liveblog above for the latest updates

Hundreds of Kaikōura households were forced to leave their homes amid flooding.

Follow our liveblog above for the latest updates