A burst water main in Wellington central city has been repaired after creating a spectacular geyser this afternoon.

Why conduct a media tour of the jewel of the Delhi Commonwealth Games - the main stadium - in the fading light of dusk?

Long diversions remain in place for heavy vehicles travelling on State Highway One south of Kaikoura, after a major slip on Friday night.

The heavy rain that caused slips and surface flooding in the lower North Island is expected to stop this afternoon but many roads in the area are still closed.

Aucklanders are being lauded for staying off the roads during a mammoth traffic management operation.

Aucklanders stayed off the roads last night as authorities shut the busiest stretch of motorway in the country.