Summer has been put on hold in some parts of the country, with many western areas soaked by an unseasonable downpour and more rain likely on the way.
Rain is already falling over the North Island. Photo: MetService
Parts of Nelson received up to 150 millimetres of rain in 12 hours yesterday and it was likely parts of Northland will get a similar amount today.
Heavy rain is also expected for Auckland and Taranaki.
MetService has issued heavy rain warnings for the Coromandel Peninsula, Waikato and Waitomo in the North Island.
Nelson has been inundated with rain overnight - with more than 300 millimetres of rain falling in one part of the region.
MetService forecaster Sarah Haddon said the largest downpour so far had been near Takaka.
She said rain should start to ease in the Nelson region, but showers were likely to continue across most parts of the country
The bad weather is being caused by a sub-tropical front lingering over the west coast of the country, and it was expected to last until Saturday morning.
MetService say humid northerlies persist over central and northern New Zealand over the weekend, while a low approaches from the north Tasman Sea.
They said the low is likely to bring further rain to the North Island and upper South Island during Sunday and Monday, with some heavy falls possible.
However some parts of New Zealand will continue to see hot and dry weather today.
Main centre forecasts today
Auckland
A rainy day with some heavy falls, brisk northeasterlies and a high of 23°C.
Hamilton
Also a rainy day with possible heavy falls, gusty winds and a high of 22°C.
Tauranga
Cloudy with occasional rain, becoming persistent in the afternoon. Some brisk winds that will ease in the evening. Will reach a high of 23°C.
Wellington
Rain at times, possible heavy falls with some brisk northerlies. Will reach a high of 22°C.
Christchurch
Mainly fine. A chance of showers from the afternoon. Will reach a high of 29°C.
Dunedin
Showers from around midday, a chance they could be heavy with thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Will reach a high of 23°C.
Invercargill
Fog lifting this morning as showers develop. Showers clearing at night. Southerlies dying out in the evening. Will reach a high of 23°C.
- MetService