The next bout of heavy rain has started its rampage on the east of the South Island

Banks Peninsula has been cut off - with overnight flooding blocking a section of State Highway 75.

Several people have been retrieved from cars after being caught in floodwaters.

Meanwhile, the lower North Island's still facing extensive power outages, road and highway closures, and travel disruptions.

MetService Metereologist Allan Bailey says most areas worst-affected yesterday, can expect scattered showers today.

He says that rain won't be as heavy or continuous as it has been.