The weather's intensifying over eastern parts of the North Island - with a potentially hazardous deluge on the cards

Heavy rain's lashed Waikato in recent days - causing slips and flooding - and forcing the Otorohanga and Waipa districts into a state of emergency.

It's also far from over - with orange heavy rain warnings in some places running through to tomorrow evening.

Orange rain warnings are in effect for parts of Tairawhiti, Hawkes Bay, Whanganui, Manawatu, Taihape, Wairarapa and Tararua - where rainfall could reach up to 160 millimetres.

MetService has also issued Strong Wind Warnings for parts of Wairarapa, Tararua, Wellington, Marlborough, Tairawhiti and Hawkes Bay running though to tomorrow.

Heavy swells are also expected in Wairarapa and Wellington - peaking to seven metres overnight tonight.