Two people have been rescued after their car became surrounded by water.
The pair had been sleeping in their car at a Waitomo reserve when rapid flooding began.
It's the latest incident to unfold as a thunderstorm rolls over the North Island bringing heavy rain and lightning.
A Department of Conservation building in Pureora Forest Park near Lake Taupo has been burnt to the ground after a suspected lightning strike.
Three homes in Manukau Heads have also been damaged by lightning.
The New Zealand Transport Agency is asking motorists in Auckland to stay safe during their commute.
"Thunderstorms approaching #Auckland early this morning, due around dawn," MetService tweeted.
The worst of the weather is expected to give way to showers for the morning, with thunderstorms renewing later in the day.
Newshub.
