Severe weather warnings are in place for parts of the South Island and motorists are being cautioned to take care in flooded regions.
The 40km stretch of State Highway 3 between Fairlie and Lake Tekapo is closed on Wednesday morning because of flooding, according to the New Zealand Transport Agency.
Motorists are being cautioned about surface flooding on SH79 between Geraldine and Fairlie and SH83 between Duntroon and Kurow.
Those towing caravans or driving campervans should take extra care on SH6 from Harihari to Haast on the West Coast as high winds are expected.
Heavy rain is expected to keep falling in eastern Marlborough and north Canterbury throughout Wednesday, according to Metservice.
Between 50mm and 100mm of rain is expected to hit these areas in the 24 hours until 9pm on Wednesday.
More than 150mm of rain fell over the South Canterbury foothills on Tuesday but this was due to ease.
Environment Canterbury says river levels have peaked and are now receding, although stopbanks have become waterlogged and those living near rivers should remain vigilant.
The council also reported extensive surface flooding throughout low lying areas of the region.
Rain which hammered Wairarapa earlier in the week is expected to ease on Wednesday.
NZN