Commuters are being warned of disruptions on the road this morning as heavy rain and gales hit the upper North Island.
MetService said the rain could lead to "localised flooding, slippery roads, and disruptions to public transport, especially during peak hours".
"If you must go out, please exercise extra caution," it said.
Weather warnings as low brings heavy rain, strong winds - watch on TVNZ+
Orange heavy rain warnings were issued for Coromandel Peninsula until 8pm today and Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau until 3am Thursday, where up to 120mm was expected.
Eastern Northland, south of Karikari Peninsula, Auckland and Great Barrier Island were all issued heavy rain watches.
"Periods of heavy rain, with thunderstorms and localised downpours possible. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning," the forecaster said.
A strong wind watch was in effect for Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds until Friday.
Elsewhere in the country, expect cloudy skies with scattered showers, which are forecast to increase throughout the day, MetService said.
Meteorologist John Law said it was a "wet start to the day" as an area of low pressure pushed the rain across Northland, right down to the Bay of Plenty.
"We have got some of those severe weather watches and warnings, particularly places like the Coromandel and the Bay of Plenty today, but you can see some wet weather creeping up the South Island as well, pushing through Southland this morning and running towards Otago and Canterbury as we head through the afternoon.
He said the cold air could bring the risk of some snowfall over the higher mountain passes.
Current watches and warnings list
Heavy Rain Warning – Orange
Coromandel Peninsula – 12 hours from 8am to 8pm today.
Bay of Plenty west of Kawerau – 13 hours from 2pm today to 3am Thursday.
Heavy Rain Watch
Eastern Northland south of Karikari Peninsula – 12 hours from 3am to 3pm today.
Auckland and Great Barrier Island – 12 hours from 6am to 6pm today.
Inland parts of the Tasman District west of Motueka – 13 hours from 11am to midnight tonight.
Strong Wind Watch
Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds – 32 hours from 10am Thursday to 6pm Friday.
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