Moving down the country, a heavy rain warning is also in place for Nelson west of Motueka.
Cantabrians are bracing themselves for a weekend of wild weather as the most significant rainfall in 10 years is predicted to fall in the region.
MetService is forecasting about 150mm of rain to fall in Canterbury over Saturday, Sunday and Monday.
NZTA maintenance and operations senior manager Wayne Oldfield said the downpour had the potential to cause widespread flooding, land instability and for some rivers to break flood banks.
"People should plan ahead by checking the forecast before heading out, and keeping an eye on our website and social media for updates and road closures," Oldfield said.
While North Canterbury and the Kaikōura coast are expected to be particularly affected, other parts of the country are also warned to expect wet and windy conditions.
Christchurch City Council's Tim Drennan said pumps would be on standby in parts of Bromley, New Brighton, and the Flockton area.
"It will be a wet day for most people," a MetService spokesperson said.
Moving to the centre of the north island, people in Taupō can expect a wet day.
Wellington and the Wairarapa can expect some rain.
The best place in the country to be tomorrow is Fiordland, where no rain is forecast.
Looking further into the weekend, wet weather is still forecasted for much of the country, especially in eastern regions.
However, with the rain comes some warmer air, so no need for the woollies.
A strong wind watch is in place for Buller, Westland and north of Hokitika from 1pm to 9pm on Saturday.
Metservice is predicting southeasterly winds may approach severe gale in exposed places.
