MetService says heavy rain which caused widespread flooding and damage in Southland and Otago making its way up the country.

Large swathes of the South Island remain under weather warnings and watches ahead of the weekend.

Meteorologist Clare O'Connor says the rain is easing in Southland, but is now hitting the West Coast.

She says the heavy rain will hit the North Island over the weekend.

Meanwhile, snow is beginning to fall in the lower half of the South Island.

Tuatapere residents are beginning a clean-up.

The Invercargill City Council says heavy rain has ceased, but several roads in the region are closed due to flooding, rising rivers and debris.

NIWA says Queenstown recorded 87 millimetres of rain in the past 24 hours - its wettest day in 24 years. More than 100 residents have been evacuated.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council says an initial clean up operation is underway at Isle Street, Robins Road, Duke Street, Shotover Street and Camp Street.

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