Fallen trees, flooding across North Island

Strong winds and rain kept fire teams in the North Island busy overnight.

The Fire Service responded to about 20 calls over downed powerlines and trees due to winds across the upper North Island, although no major damage was reported, a spokeswoman said

The lower North Island was a similar story, with callouts about minor weather-related damage still coming in on Sunday morning.

Parts of the North Island were flooded while emergency services received callouts for downed powerlines and fallen trees. Photo: SNPA

Homes at Waiau Pa in rural south Auckland were flooded due a king tide and two roads in Porirua were closed for several hours due to waves overnight.

Winds of up to 140km/h are expected to batter Wellington, Wairarapa and the Marlborough Sounds until Sunday afternoon, with other parts of the lower North Island also in for gale-force winds.

One of the worst-hit areas was the Kapiti Coast, with heavy rain and a high tides hammering coastal areas, said Metservice meteorologist April Clark.

"Those driving around those areas really need to take care and keep in mind there will be some big waves around the Kapiti Coast, which is not the norm."

The heaviest rain was expected in the west and north of the South Island last night, and continuing today.

Rainfall could reach 280mm in Westland, while the Tararua Range has been added to this warning.

Heavy swells and large waves were expected to affect western coasts today with coastal erosion in vulnerable areas making driving conditions hazardous about low-lying coastal roads.

Heavy rain fall was expected to continue throughout the week and snow was expected down to 500m in the deep south on Monday.

"Basically it is not going to be a very nice week at all. It will be very unsettled," Clark said.