New Zealand Herald Focus was in the Coromandel Pensinsula today capturing water-flooded fields, raging rivers and closed roads.
At State Highway 25 into Tairua and Whitianga, reporter Tristram Clayton found roads under water "as far as the eye can see".
On the west coast, motorists faced long delays getting into and out of Thames, including one woman whose husband had an operation booked in Auckland and had to turn back.
And at the Whangamata Surf Shop, he found Ella Williams, who said she woke up to "boxes having a party" and floating in a storeroom.
"To walk in the morning and see that, you just wanted to cry," Williams said.
