Heavy rain and strong winds forecast across New Zealand before Christmas

Tuesday 23 December 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Tue 23 Dec 2025, 9:15am

In this story MetService, NZ Transport Agency

MetService has issued heavy rain and strong wind watches as unsettled weather approaches. Waka Kotahi is advising motorists to take extra care on several key routes, including State Highway 2 and Transmission Gully, due to the expected conditions.

How they headlined it

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1. NZ HeraldTue 23 Dec 2025, 5:00am

   Weather: Heavy rain, strong winds to batter New Zealand before Christmas (opens in new tab)

2. StuffTue 23 Dec 2025, 6:42am

   Heavy rain and stong winds batter parts of NZ in lead up to Christmas (opens in new tab)

3. RNZTue 23 Dec 2025, 7:41am

   Weather: Warning to drivers as wild weather hits central New Zealand before Christmas (opens in new tab)

4. 1NewsTue 23 Dec 2025, 9:15am

   Weather: Drivers cautioned as rain, wind bear down ahead of Xmas (opens in new tab)