Flooding dirupted many roads and caused evacuation on New Zealand's South Island, where about 200mm of rain rapidly raised river levels. The deluge was also increasing the danger of slips and rocksliding - a high-risk natural hazard for motorists, but also for some home-owners and backpackers in hilly areas.

So far New Zealand is experiencing its worst summer since many years as more renewed general rain is expected for the South Island and heavy showers for the North Island.