Heavy rain is disrupting travel plans in the North and South Islands

Waka Kotahi is urging motorists to avoid unnecessary travel in Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel Peninsula -- and is urging Waikato motorists to remain alert.

Wind has also brought trees down on State highway 6 north of Murchison.

MetService meteorologist Dan Corrigan says about 80 millimetres of rain has fallen in the ranges west of the Takaka Hill.

He says it is a lot of water to fall in a short period of and could make lift river levels.

Heavy rain warnings are also in place for the Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, and Westland.