Major Taranaki and Waikato roads will stay closed overnight - with slips in today's downpours

They include State Highway 3 north of New Plymouth - between Mokau and Piopio - Highway 31 east of Oparau, Highway 30 south of Te Kuiti, Highway 4 north of Taumarunui - and Highway 43 north of Whangamomona.

NZTA says crews will reassess tomorrow morning - when the water's receded.

MetService's Mmathapelo Makgabutlane says conditions are now clearing.

She says parts of the Waikato had more than 130 millilitres of rain in the past 24 hours.