Auckland, NZ – Heavy rain warnings and watches are in place across much of the North Island, with downpours expected to continue into Saturday morning.
Authorities are urging residents and travellers to stay alert as conditions worsen, especially in regions already affected by earlier rainfall.
Orange heavy rain warnings have been issued for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty including Rotorua, and Gisborne/Tairāwhiti. Additional warnings are in place for Bay of Plenty east of Ōpōtiki and parts of Tairāwhiti on Friday night, with forecasters expecting periods of intense and persistent rain.
A heavy rain watch is covering large parts of the North Island, including Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatū, and the Tararua District.
MetService says these areas could see heavy rainfall at times, increasing the risk of surface flooding, rising rivers and hazardous driving conditions.
Search and rescue teams have been deployed to the East Coast in preparation for potential emergencies, including slips, road blockages and communities becoming temporarily isolated. RNZ, New Zealand’s statutory civil defence lifeline broadcaster, will continue to provide up‑to‑date information as the situation develops.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) is also warning the public to take extreme care if planning outdoor activities.
Acting Operations Manager for Hawke’s Bay, Kahori Nakagawa, said visitors should check DOC alerts before leaving home and avoid tracks, huts and campsites in areas prone to slips or flooding.
“MetService is forecasting intense rainfall over the weekend, which could affect tracks, campsites, and access roads,” Nakagawa said. “We’re asking people to think carefully before heading out, and to be prepared to change their plans if needed.
The last thing we want is people getting hurt or stuck.”
DOC staff will assess huts, tracks and campsites once the worst of the weather has passed before deciding when they can safely reopen.
Nakagawa said safety must remain the priority. “Naturing is about connecting with the outdoors, but that connection also means respecting nature’s power and knowing when to pause or change plans.”
Travellers are being urged to check the DOC website for alerts, as well as Waka Kotahi (NZTA) and local council websites for road closures, slip warnings, flood updates and any water restrictions.
MetService expects heavy rain to continue through Friday night and into early Saturday, particularly in eastern and northern regions. Some areas may also experience isolated thunderstorms, increasing the risk of flash flooding.
Authorities are advising residents to secure outdoor items, avoid driving through floodwaters, keep devices charged in case of power outages, and check on vulnerable neighbours as the weather system moves through.
