Rotorua is preparing for a significant bout of severe weather this weekend as Cyclone Vaianu tracks toward the North Island.
As the Category 2 cyclone bears down on the country, authorities are urging residents and visitors not to be complacent, warning that damaging winds and heavy rainfall are now highly likely from early Sunday.
MetService has upgraded earlier watches to orange rain and orange wind warnings for Rotorua and much of the western Bay of Plenty, reflecting increasing confidence in the storm’s impact.
Between 2am and 4pm on Sunday, forecasters are expecting 150 to 180mm of rain, particularly over elevated areas and ranges. Rainfall rates could peak at 20 to 30mm an hour during Sunday morning and early afternoon, raising the risk of surface flooding, slips and inundation in low‑lying areas.
Although Rotorua is not currently under a red warning, MetService said there’s a moderate chance of the rain warning being upgraded.
A strong orange wind warning is already in place for Rotorua from 4am to 7pm Sunday, with severe gale easterlies expected to intensify before swinging to severe gale westerlies later in the afternoon. Gusts of up to 130km/h are possible in exposed locations.
MetService forecaster Heather Keats said the system was “very large and damaging,” with increasing clarity around its path.
“It’s expected to cross over the top of the Coromandel Peninsula, move over Bay of Plenty, come across Hawke’s Bay and then flick out to the east,” she said.
“Winds will be the biggest impact from this storm. It’s very fast-moving, so it will race across on Sunday, but the worst conditions will be felt on either side of the eye and could last 36 to 48 hours.”
Rotorua Lakes Council teams and contractors are in full preparation mode as they monitor the potential impact of Cyclone Vaianu on the district.
“One of our key concerns is the impact of isolated or localised downpours in specific catchments. One area may see very little rain, while another experiences flooding and inundation.”
If winds of more than 60km/h are forecast, the council may close Whakarewarewa Forest to recreational activity for safety reasons.
A final decision will be made after the latest forecasts are reviewed on Saturday evening, with updates shared via council channels and forest-related platforms, including the Rotorua Trails Trust.
If a closure occurs, gates at key access points will be locked, signage will be installed across access areas and the Scion dog park will also be closed.
The public is urged not to ignore any closures, because there would be a high risk of falling trees, slips and debris.
Businesses operating in and around the forest have been advised of the potential closure and any operations within closed areas would also be required to shut.
Rotorua Lakes transfer stations at Okere, Tarawera and Te Ngae Rd, as well as the Landfill Transfer Station, will be closed on Sunday due to the potential for severe weather, the council said.
“This precautionary closure is to ensure the safety of staff, contractors, and the public.
“We will provide further updates on reopening as conditions allow.”
Strong winds and saturated ground are expected to increase the risk of damage to trees, powerlines and roofs across Rotorua, potentially leading to power outages and transport disruption. Driving conditions are forecast to become hazardous, particularly for high‑sided vehicles and motorcyclists.
Meanwhile, State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge reopened on Friday morning after slip material was cleared, but NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi is warning motorists to be prepared for short‑notice closures as further rain is forecast. The route was repeatedly closed on Thursday as debris continued to fall from unstable hillsides.
The National Emergency Management Agency is advising Rotorua residents to clear drains and gutters, secure loose outdoor items, avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for possible loss of power.
The next official weather update is due at 9pm Friday, with authorities stressing that conditions could change rapidly as Cyclone Vaianu approaches.
The Discovery Princess cruise ship, which departed from Sydney on Tuesday for the final New Zealand cruise in its maiden Australian season, has decided to dock in Auckland tomorrow instead of visiting Tauranga, because of the cyclone.
A spokesperson said docking in Tauranga first could have affected the ship’s planned arrival in Auckland on Sunday, when bad weather is expected to be at its worst.
Its scheduled departure from Auckland to the Bay of Islands on Monday may also be cancelled “depending on what the storm does”.
“Discovery Princess is going to spend two days in Auckland to ride out the storm. The Port of Auckland tugs could be busy looking after her!“
Another cruise ship, the Norwegian Spirit, has also adjusted its schedule to avoid the Bay of Islands and Tauranga, instead travelling south, where it will dock in Wellington on Sunday morning.
The Discovery Princess is subsequently relocating across the Pacific to Vancouver, where it will be used to operate Alaska cruises over the northern summer season.
Around your home
– Check drains and grates to reduce flooding risk
– Bring loose items inside or secure them
– Keep items handy for temporary window repairs (tarpaulins, boards, duct tape)
– In rural areas, move livestock away from waterways and powerlines
– Consider organising sandbags through hardware or garden supply stores if you’re in a flood-prone area
During severe weather
– Postpone outdoor activities and unnecessary travel
– Avoid waterways and low-lying areas
– Never enter floodwaters, even in a vehicle
– Consider staying with friends or family if you live near a waterway
– Check emergency supplies and ensure you have a household emergency plan
– Check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours
– Bring pets indoors and take them with you if you need to evacuate
– Always follow instructions from emergency services
Health New Zealand advises people to avoid swimming in rivers, streams, beaches and harbour areas for at least 48 hours after heavy rain, because of contamination from rural and urban run-off.
This helps reduce the risk of illnesses such as diarrhoea, vomiting, skin infections and ear infections.
Rotorua Lakes Council – 07 348 4199 (24/7)
Emergency: Call 111
Roading information: www.nzta.govt.nz
Power outages:
Unison – 0800 286 476
www.unison.co.nz/outages
Powerco – powerco.co.nz
Weather forecasts: www.metservice.com
The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) advises that in times of crisis or civil defence emergency, a battery-powered radio, or a car radio remain essential lifelines if power is out and other forms of communication are unavailable.
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