Heavy rain is being forecast for parts of the north and east of the North Island today.

A weather watch issued for the region has now been upgraded to a warning.

"A complex area of low pressure to the northwest of New Zealand directs a moist northeasterly flow onto the North Island," says a statement from the MetService.

"This low is expected to move slowly southeast and move onto the North Island on Sunday. Some northern and eastern areas may receive warning amounts of rain.

"At this stage it looks like the north of Gisborne, Bay of Plenty and the Coromandel Peninsula will receive the largest accumulations.

"People are advised to stay up to date with forecasts in case any of these Watches are upgraded to Warnings or further areas are added."

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HEAVY RAIN WARNING - ORANGE

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Area: Coromandel Peninsula and Bay of Plenty from Te Puke westward

Valid: 27 hours from 3am Saturday to 6am Sunday

Forecast: Expect 100 to 130 mm of rain. Peak rates of 10 to 20 mm/h at times.

Change note: The watch for heavy rain for the Coromandel Peninsula has been upgraded to a warning and the Bay of Plenty from Te Puke westward has been added to this warning area

Area: Bay of Plenty east of Te Puke and Gisborne north of Tolaga Bay

Valid: 24 hours from 1pm Friday to 1pm Saturday

Forecast: Expect 110 to 170 mm of rain with the largest accumulations about the ranges east of Whakatane. Peak rates of 10 to 25 mm/h at times with the highest rates affecting the ranges east of Whakatane.

Note that further bursts of heavy rain may affect this area late Saturday and overnight Saturday.