Schools are closed and some homes are uninhabitable in the Far North, following the weekend of wild weather

Severe flooding and slips have caused widespread damage across Northland.

State Highway One remains closed through the Mangamuka Gorge, while the Whangarei and Paihia water treatment plants have been damaged.

Murray Soljak from Northland Civil Defence says some schools have already advised parents they won't be able to open for the first day of term.

He says most schools will be able to open, but some need a bit more time to clean up.

Severe weather warnings are now in place for parts of Canterbury, Otago and the West Coast.