Wellington's Johnsonville rail line has been closed after a hillside slip came down over the tracks.
Heavy rain pelted the capital and the lower North Island on Monday morning, causing flooding and traffic problems for commuters.
Wellington City Council said there was surface flooding in the central city and eastern suburbs.
A train driver spotted the slip on the Johnsonville line, in the suburb of Wadestown, around 8:30am and was able to stop well short of it, KiwiRail spokeswoman Jenni Austin said.
The size of the slip was not clear but it was expected to be cleared by lunchtime, she said.
Buses had replaced trains on the line until it was cleared.
NZN