A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Auckland as floods hit areas such as Warkworth and Dome Valley.
In Wellsford, police were called to reports of a Holden ute that had driven into floodwaters just after 1pm with two people trapped inside.
"Members of the public rescued the man, his child and a dog from inside the vehicle," a police spokeswoman said.
In Pakuranga, streets turned into streams and a man was seen out on his rowboat on Studfall St.
As surface flooding, slips and heavy rain hit the Coromandel, motorists are being asked to follow directions of emergency services and roading contractors.
Some local roads have been closed due to flooding.
"Police are not aware of anyone being injured in weather-related events at this stage," the spokeswoman said.
"However we continue to monitor the situation and work with our emergency service partners."
Drivers are also urged to take extra care and delay any non-essential travel.
The entrance to the ferry terminal at Waiheke Island has also been flooded.
The storm started in Northland and is moving south.
Waikato Police posted that the Coromandel Peninsula was "being hammered at the moment by heavy rain".
"There's slips and flooding everywhere," the post said.
"SH25 has large slip across the road."
MetService meteorologist Hordur Thordarson said the band of heavy rain and thunderstorms which affected Auckland was expected to move across Coromandel Peninsula and the west of the Bay of Plenty this afternoon and early evening.
A heavy rain warning is in place for the region, where thunderstorms producing intense localised downpours of 25-40mm/hr is in forecast.
Motorists are being warned of hazardous driving conditions.
The thunderstorm is expected to ease by evening.
