Some parts of the Hawkes Bay, including Esk, have had more than 300mm of rain today and more was likely, forecasters warn.
Meanwhile, about 120 people would be stuck at Blue Duck Lodge at Whakahoro, on the Retaruke River, after slips and flooding cut off the access to the lodge.
Roads were closed roads around Hawke's Bay, but the major Napier-Taupo route (State Highway 5) had reopened.
However, people should take extra care on the road and delays could be expected, with some sections down to one lane, the NZ Transport Agency said.
Hawke's Bay Civil Defence said rain was expected to continue overnight and it was monitoring the situation.
It said those residents who have self-evacuated from their homes could return if safe to do so. However, the situation could change so those in affected area should continued to be prepared to leave, if necessary.
MetService said more rain was on the way for Hawke's Bay, with up to another 30mm expected to fall today.
Meteorologist Tom Adams said the rain expected to fall this evening would not necessarily be heavier, or lighter than earlier today. Localised downpours were still expected, especially about the ranges and south of Mohaka.
If people had safety concerns they should to ring 111. For the most up-to-date information they should follow the HB Civil Defence Emergency Management Group Facebook page.
Earlier, Hawke's Bay fire services were called to flooded properties at Eskdale and Rissington, east of the city, a Hastings Fire spokesman said. Several people were evacuated from these areas, and Patoka this morning.
A Hawke's Bay Regional Council spokesman said water levels for the Esk River were the highest since 2010.
A number of properties were evacuated, including students from Hukarere Girls' College. About 60 Havelock North Intermediate students had to be evacuated from a school camp at Weka Pt, Rissington.
Eskdale Holiday Park owner Daniel Gale spent the morning evacuating about 20 people from the riverside site.
"It's worse than [1988's Cyclone] Bola, and we were here for Bola. It's still bucketing down and the camp is under water.
"We got everything out and all the people out. Getting the people out was the main thing."
Gale said they knew rain was on the way, but did not realise how extreme it would be until the river alarm went off about 6.30am, and the flooding started.
"There isn't much we can do now, I just hope it doesn't get higher."
He said they would have to start rebuilding next week, redoing all the grounds, and perhaps working on the water supplies, sewage pumps, and electrical lines.
