Heavy rain to hit this week

Heavy rain is forecast for much of the North Island for the start of the week, before the wet weather heads south.

MetService meteorologist Claire Flynn said a low front developing north east of the country would bring heavy rain over the North Island tomorrow and Tuesday.

Ms Flynn said the front was expected to move over eastern areas of the South Island on Tuesday.

"It's not necessarily warning or watch criteria at this stage, but definitely some decent rain, particularly into Wednesday for the east of the South Island.