Auckland turning on wet welcome for visiting fans

Lions fans arriving in Auckland are in for an authentic local experience - rain, and lots of it.

A rain band sitting just west of the Northland coast last night was expected to reach Cape Reinga overnight and begin its journey south, bringing downpours and thunderstorms to Auckland today and possibly tomorrow.

The Auckland region could get up to 100mm of rain in the 24 hours from this afternoon. But forecasters said yesterday that until the low-pressure system hit land it was difficult to predict how much rain it would bring.

"It's looking pretty juicy at this stage," said MetService forecaster Leigh Couper. "It's well-developed and slow-moving."

Isolated thunderstorms were possible in the city tonight, accompanied by gusty, squally northwesterly winds.

MetService was also warning of heavy rainfall about the ranges last night, persisting in Coromandel, with 200mm to 250mm possible today and tomorrow.

And the outlook for Eden Park on Saturday? Ms Couper says the rain will ease to showers with southwesterlies.

Game plan

Eden Park gates open 4pm.

Pre-match entertainment 6.35pm.

Kick-off 7.10pm.

Expected capacity crowd: 40,000.

Restricted traffic

Around Eden Park.

A large part of Sandringham Rd may be closed.

Only residents, buses and emergency vehicles allowed in restricted zone. Residents allowed through cordons on honesty basis. Auckland City advocates parking further away and walking to the free neighbourhood shuttle bus.

Tips for ticket-holders

Arrive early - from 4pm.

Enter the ground via the street closest to your seat.

Catch a bus to the park - extra services operating.

Catch a train to Kingsland. Extra services running (See Maxx website or call 366-6400 for train and bus timetables).

Park well away and walk. Those on foot will have priority leaving Eden Park after the game.

Tips for Auckland residents

Avoid major roads round Eden Park (including Dominion, Balmoral and Sandringham Rds).

Make alternative travel arrangements.

Leave work earlier or later to miss increased traffic from 4pm to 7pm.