Heavy rain warnings are in place for parts of Westland

MetService forecaster Mmathatelo Makgabutlane says there's a very moist northerly moving across the country.

She says it will bring periods of heavy rain, and waters could rapidly rise in the area south of Otira.

She says there's potential for slips too.

There's also a heavy rain watch in place for the rest of the West Coast through to Nelson, as well as the Tararua Range area.