Nelson region holidaymakers drenched as heavy rain pummels upper South Island

One holidaymaker in Golden Bay said he was able to kayak outside his tent where rain had built up at Pohara campsite.

Golden Bay locals and holidaymakers are being advised to stay alert as the region gets a soaking.

Heavy rain has pummelled the Upper South Island since yesterday afternoon, causing rivers to swiftly rise and surface flooding on roads.

Despite the downpour, fire services have confirmed there were no weather-related calls overnight.

There were two blocked roads earlier this morning, but they have since been cleared.

A flood warning remains in place on SH60 between Takaka and Collingwood, near the Little Onahau River.

One Spec Road in Takaka was impassable before the Anatoki River last night.

Campers at Pohara campground remain undeterred, having already stuck out stormy conditions last week.

Holidaymaker Oscar Evans told 1 NEWS the front of his tent had flooded, but it hadn’t dampened his love for his "favourite place".

He described how a "lakes" worth of water had also built up outside his tent during last week’s downpour.

"We actually got the kayak out and we were actually paddling in it."

MetService has predicted heavy rain to ease in the region by early this morning, but expects a further 60 to 90mm of rain about the ranges west of Motueka and 30 to 50mm elsewhere, on top of what has already fallen.

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