Surface water affects South Island roads

The NZTA is warning drivers to take caution on roads affected by heavy rainfall. File photo / Sarah Ivey

Heavy rain has caused surface flooding in North Canterbury, prompting the New Zealand Transport Agency (NZTA) to warn motorists to take extreme care.

State Highway 1 from Marlborough to North Canterbury was worst hit by surface flooding and extreme care was needed, NZTA said.

Motorists were warned to also take care on State Highway 7 from Waipara to Springs Junction, on the West Coast.

MetService said front that brought heavy rain to parts of North Canterbury and Marlborough had weakened and moved north, and heavy rain affecting the Kaikoura Ranges had eased.

- NZPA