Several schools in the Coromandel are closed as the upper North Island is pounded by heavy rain

There's been widespread surface flooding and numerous trees toppled by high winds, with the Coromandel worst hit.

In Thames, 40 freedom campers have been forced to move away from rising floodwaters near the airfield.

State Highway 25 is closed at Wade Road, south of Whitianga and Manaia, because of flooding.

Power is also out to areas in Bay of Plenty and south Auckland.