Weather: Heavy rain tipped as school holidays begin

Make the most of the fine weather on Tuesday because heavier rainfall is expected for much of the country from Wednesday.

MetService said the rain would reach many parts of the country on Wednesday and Thursday.

"As we near midweek, MetService is forecasting heavy rain and strong winds to put an end to the sunny spree."

In the South Island, Heavy Rain Watches were in place for Westland, Buller and Grey districts, Tasman northwest of Motueka, and the Richmond and Bryant Ranges from Wednesday.

"Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria."

Streams and rivers could rise rapidly and there may be flooding and slips, MetService said.

In the North Island on Wednesday the forecast was for scattered showers turning to rain in the north and west, with some heavy falls in the north. While in the South Island, the rain was expected to start in the southeast and spread everywhere.

Temperatures were also expected to be mild.