Gale-force winds are battering Auckland while storms that have hammered campers in the South Island's Tasman region and lashed Wellington and the Wairarapa recede.

Motorists are being warned to drive to the conditions as heavy rain and strong winds lash NZ today, bringing down trees and powerlines. Hurricane-force winds have been recorded in Wellington and flooding has hit Marlborough.

Motorists are being warned to drive to the conditions as heavy rain and strong winds lash NZ today, bringing down trees and powerlines. Flooding has closed some roads and trampers and campers are being told to prepare for evacuation.

Much of the country is in for a weather shock today as a big front moves north, bringing heavy rain and gales.

Campers are being warned rivers could rise rapidly as a moist northwesterly flow sweeps across the country today and tomorrow.

Rainfall over the past few days has made a Waikato farmer's "wishes come true", but he warns its effect will not be immediate.

Forecasters are predicting we'll be using our brollies for sunshades by Christmas Day.

David Carter has declared a drought in the Waikato and Ruapehu District, saying recent rainfalls appear to have had little effect on dry pastures.

Muggy, sticky, humid heat - for most Aucklanders yesterday the city would have felt like being trapped in a Turkish bath.

Torrential rain, floods, and national embarrassment about Auckland's weather could all be in store this summer.

Weather in the North Island is expected to remain clear and dry till the end of the month - but be prepared for a muggy summer.