Major roads are staying shut in northern Taranaki and Waikato today, after yesterday's downpours

Slips closed State Highway 3 between Piopio and Mokau, highways 4 and 43 north and east of Taumarunui, as well as 31 to Kawhia and 30 south of Te Kuiti.

NZTA's warning the roads remain unsafe, even without rain.

Ruapehu District Council says some households self-evacuated overnight and multiple schools are closed today.

People in Taumarunui should conserve water, with low water clarity.

Civil Defence is doing a district flyover to view the most impacted areas.