MetService is warning of heavy rains for the central North Island as well as Fiordland and Westland.
A front is forecast to move quickly northwards across the North Island today while weakening.
A strong wind watch is in place for Wellington until 3pm this afternoon. North to northwest winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
Heavy rain watches remain in force until 5pm for Mount Taranaki and the Tararua Range.
And Westland, south of Franz Josef, will see periods of heavy rain and possible thunderstorms through to 10pm on Sunday. Fiordland may also see heavy rain overnight on Saturday through to 4am on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Cantabrians are being urged to keep an eye on alpine river levels this weekend.
A Canterbury Regional Council spokesperson said heavy rain on the West Coast overnight would mean higher than normal flows in rivers popular for recreational activities.
The Waiau Uwha, Hurunui, Rakaia, Rangitata and Waimakariri rivers may all be affected. Anyone on those rivers is asked to be prepared for a rapid rise in water flows.
The council said staff would continue to monitor the rivers, and update alerts for any flooding across the weekend.
On Sunday, another front moves onto the North Island from the west, bringing rain to many parts of the island, with heavy rain watches in force for Waitomo, Taumarunui, Taupō, and Tongariro National Park.
Finally, another front moves onto the southern half of the South Island on Sunday from the west, with heavy rain watches in force for Fiordland and the south of the Westland District.
Heavy rain that fell overnight and this morning is being described as a short, sharp dousing.
Up to 200 millimetres of rain affected Haast through to Hokitika as a wet front sweeps up the motu.
The chair of the West Coast Regional Council, Peter Haddock, said the region has emerged relatively unscathed, and the Waiho River has stayed at regular flows.
State Highway 6 between Fox Glacier and Franz Josef has re-opened after being closed due to a tree blocking the road.
Waka Kotahi said the road closed at 8.30am today.
RNZ
