Heavy rain and severe easterly gales are being forecast for many places around the North Island, including the Coromandel Peninsula.

The MetService is issuing updated warnings and watches as remnants of Lola - a tropic cyclone that lashed Vanuatu this week - makes it way over New Zealand.

"A large, deep, complex low pressure system moves slowly southeast towards northern New Zealand on Sunday, with an associated front moving onto Northland from Sunday night," says the latest update from the MetService.

"This system moves slowly southeast onto the North Island during Monday, with heavy rain and easterly gales preceding the front. Large waves are also expected to affect eastern coasts of the upper North Island.

"Warning and watches for heavy rain and severe easterly gales are now in force."

Heavy Rain Watch
Area: Auckland and Great Barrier Island
Valid: 15 hours from 6pm Sun 29 Oct to 9am Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Thunderstorms possible Monday morning.

Heavy Rain Warning - Orange

Heavy rain may cause streams and rivers to rise rapidly. Surface flooding and slips are also possible and driving conditions may be hazardous.

Area: Northland
Valid: 18 hours from 11am Sun 29 Oct to 5am Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Expect 90 to 130 mm of rain, especially in eastern areas. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h from Sunday evening with thunderstorms possible.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 18 hours from 7pm Sun 29 Oct to 1pm Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Expect 100 to 150 mm of rain. Peak rates of 15 to 25 mm/h from Monday morning with thunderstorms possible.

Strong Wind Warning - Orange

Strong wind gusts could damage trees, powerlines and unsecured structures. Driving may be hazardous, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.

Area: Northland
Valid: 20 hours from 9am Sun 29 Oct to 5am Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies with damaging gusts of 130 km/h in exposed places.

Area: Auckland and Great Barrier Island
Valid: 15 hours from 6pm Sun 29 Oct to 9am Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies with damaging gusts of 120 to 130 km/h in exposed places.

Area: Coromandel Peninsula
Valid: 15 hours from 10pm Sun 29 Oct to 1pm Mon 30 Oct
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies gusting 120 km/h in exposed places.