Easter weekend outlook: Mixed bag of heavy rain, big swells and periods of decent weather

Heavy rains amidst pockets of fine breaks is expected, as a mixed bag of messy weather descends on the country this long weekend.

MetService meteorologist John Law said an area of low pressure was expected to bring heavy rainfall to parts of Northland and Auckland on Thursday, which will be extended to the Coromandel Peninsula, Tai Rāwhiti / Gisborne and Hawke's Bay on Friday, with the eastern coast receiving most rain on Saturday.

"It's unfortunately not looking as nice as it could be, particularly for the eastern coast of the north as we head through Friday and Saturday, could be some heavy falls of rain there," he told Morning Report.

A heavy rain watch has been issued for Northland from Thursday afternoon to Friday morning.

Meteorologist Mmathapelo Makgabutlane said thunderstorms were likely to make the rain worse, bringing heavy rain to localised areas in a short space of time.

This could lead to surface flooding, he said.

Rainfall was expected to clear out for parts of the country on Sunday, however those returning from a trip away have been asked to plan ahead as wet weather sets in for most of the country on Monday.

"Everyone sees some wet weather as we go through towards that second-half of the weekend," said Law.

Temperatures were expected to be mild across the North Island. However, in the South Island, places like Queenstown should expect a chilly start to the weekend, he said.

MetService said watches and warnings would be issued in the coming days and people should take time to prepare.

Law said those heading out on the waters should keep up with the latest forecast as strong winds and big swells were expected on Friday, Saturday and Monday.

"I think it's really worth keeping up with the sea conditions, particularly as that low pressure sinks in from the north," Law said.

"It's going to bring some stronger winds and a bit more swell coming up from the north as well, that clears away for a time as we head through Sunday, but then the next system coming in from the Tasman Sea will bring some stronger winds around those western coasts as well."

Damaged sites with restrictions in place may add to traffic delays

Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency director of land transport Kane Patena advised travellers to plan ahead if they were heading away this long weekend because there were still many damaged sites with restrictions in place.

Coromandel

System manger for the Waikato Cara Lauder said other than State Highway 25A, all highways around the Coromandel were open for people to travel.

State Highway 25 around Tairua was expected to be busy northbound on Thursday afternoon until 8pm and again on Friday from 9am until around 5.30pm.

The heaviest traffic southbound would be on Monday, 10 April from 9am until 2pm.

SH25 was also under stop/go traffic management between Opoutere and Hikuai due to an underslip.

State Highway 1 was expected to be busy from the end of the Cambridge section of the Waikato Expressway and between Tīrau and Karāpiro.

Bay of Plenty

Traffic on State Highway 2 between Paeroa and Waihi eastbound was expected to be busy on Thursday afternoon and heavy on Friday from 11.30am until 4pm.

SH2 between Tauranga and Katikati was also expected to be busy on Thursday, Saturday and Monday mornings.

State Highway 29 over the Kaimai range west of Tauranga may be heavy Friday from late morning until 3.30pm eastbound.

Monday 10 April may be busy from mid-morning until mid-afternoon westbound.

State Highway 58 at Paremata

Part of State Highway 58 at Paremata will be closed on Friday for repairs on the electricity network.

The road will be shut between the Paremata roundabout and Postgate Drive from 8am to 11pm.

Local detours will be available but delays are likely, as residents, public transport and emergency services will have to be escorted through the site.