Lake Wakatipu's brimming water level rose no further overnight and dropped slightly today, easing the risk of flooding in Queenstown.

Full-to-the-brim Lake Wakatipu is likely to start dropping back tomorrow, but high winds could still push waves of water into the streets.

River flow levels and a minimal rain forecast suggest Queenstown's Lake Wakatipu might only rise by a further 10cm.

More heavy rain is on the way for the Lake Wakatipu head waters before anything starts to improve.

Queenstown is preparing for the worst as the swollen Lake Wakatipu threatens to burst its banks and flood the CBD.

Northland's drought may be endangering motorists - and stock - as hungry farm animals go wandering for food and water.

Queenstown businesses are being warned to brace for potential flooding as more heavy rain is predicted over the next two days.

The brief respite of rain for Northland farmers yesterday is not enough to quench the parched pastures.

Trampers were evacuated by air, phonelines cut and bridges washed out last night as the South Island was inundated by rain and flooding.

Hawkes Bay coastal residents are allowed to return home after high waves prompted evacuations.

Once-in-a-century flooding has caused hundreds of millions of dollars worth of damage in southwest Queensland.

Once-in-a-century flooding has caused hundreds of millions of dollars damage in southwest Queensland,.

High tides and bad weather could flood Auckland's Northwestern Motorway in coming months.

Rain eased in Gisborne overnight and surrounding roads reopened after flooding and slips caused evacuations.