Periods of heavy downpours and strong winds in Rotorua are expected to last until tomorrow afternoon, with a severe weather warning in place for the city.
The poor weather comes as the remnants of Cyclone Debbie, which battered Queensland, crosses the country.
Rotorua is expected to miss the worst weather, but there is a possibility of flash flooding during heavy downpours.
According to the MetService website, as at 4pm today 31.4mm of rain had fallen, less than half of the forecast 65.5mm.
Rotorua Lakes Council advised all sports fields were closed today due to the heavy rain. The council will continue to update the public about field closures through its Facebook page.
The severe weather warning issued today stated rainfall totals could exceed 200mm in some areas. There was also potential for thunderstorms and downpours with hourly rainfall rates of 25 to 35mm or more.
Other areas the warning included were the wider Bay of Plenty, Northland, Auckland, Great Barrier Island, Waikato, Waitomo, Coromandel Peninsula, Taranaki, Wanganui, Taumarunui, Taupo, Hawke's Bay, Gisborne, Tararua, Wairarapa, Manawatu, Kapiti Horowhenua, Wellington, Marlborough, Nelson and Buller.
The warning advised people to watch out for rapidly rising rivers and streams, flooding and slips as a result of the significant rainfall.
MetService meteorologist Erick Brenstrum said Rotorua could experience some flash flooding if drains became blocked during periods of heavy falls.
"There will be gaps in the rain but as the warm tropical air mass moves over the North Island, you can expect convective showers - intense rain over small areas."
Mr Brenstrum said the weather pattern was no longer a tropical cyclone and there would be "different recipes for different provinces".
He said further systems tomorrow could see thunderstorms but Rotorua could expect to see the tail end of the bad weather by the end of the day.
"Taranaki, through to Whanganui and Hawke's Bay are in for more trouble, Rotorua is likely to miss some of it.
"The good news is most areas are heading toward good weather by the weekend."
A Rotorua Fire Service spokesman said crews had not received any weather related callouts today.
Looking ahead:
- Tomorrow:Rain with heavy falls, chance thunder from afternoon. Northeasterlies, strong and gusty in the evening.
Thursday: Early rain, chance heavy, easing to the odd shower. Westerlies freshen.
Friday: Few showers clearing to fine. Southwesterly dying out.
Saturday: Mainly fine. Light winds.
Sunday: Cloudy. Light winds.