The wild storm that has been pounding much of the country over the past few days has now reached Auckland, the MetService says.
"But it's slowly easing - it's losing a lot of its bark and its bite that it had over the last 24 to 48 hours," forecaster Daniel Corbett said.
"But Auckland is in for a wet and windy day."
The "back edge" of the front, that brought savage winds and heavy rain to the South Island and lower North Island, was now in Manawatu and over the Central Plateau.
Rain had just reached Auckland and extended west to Taranaki, Mr Corbett said.
"There still are some stronger winds ... across some eastern areas - Gisborne and Hawkes Bay.
"But those are a far cry from what they were through the night."
Winds in Wellington had eased to about half the strength they were yesterday, Mr Corbett said.
Rain warnings were in place for Taihape through to Taupo, he said.
"Also the Eastern Bay of Plenty - they'll get some heavy rain through later this morning and the afternoon."
Further south in Canterbury, the weather had calmed and was bright and sunny, Mr Corbett said.
The weather would continue to improve, and by Sunday and Monday the stormy conditions should clear for most of the country.
"Those days look good, with dry weather for much of the country."
- Rebecca Quilliam of APNZ
