The school holidays have kicked off and so has the weather for some

Last night the streets of Bethlehem in Tauranga were blanketed in an incredibly thick layer of hail - with some even questioning if it was snow.

Niwa has warned an "atmospheric river" is expected to hit the country in the coming days bringing heavy rainfall.

MetService has also issued warnings and watches covering most of the South Island - with winds forecast to reach 140 kilometres an hour in some parts.