Weather live: Bridges close, rivers rise as heavy rain moves from Kaikōura to Wairarapa

Follow our liveblog above for the latest updates

As residents in the South Island count the damage to homes and farms, the lower North Island is beginning to feel the weather.

All bridges into Martinborough in South Wairarapa have closed due to rising river levels.

Wairarapa and the Tararua Ranges remain under a heavy rain watch until 6am Thursday.

The South Wairarapa District Council says Waihenga Bridge at State Highway 53, Pontahi Bridge, and Lower Valley Bridge on Kahutara Road are shut.

A windy, rural road through Longbush is now the only route in and out of the township.

The closures mean a normal 15-minute drive between Martinborough and Greytown now takes 40.