Pāpāmoa Hills Cultural Heritage Regional Park has been closed until further notice following heavy rainfall and an increased risk of slips, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council says.

The park closed at 4pm today and would remain closed "for the foreseeable future" to keep park users safe, the council said.

An update would be provided as soon as the park had been assessed and was safe to reopen. Until then, the public was asked to stay away from the park.

Meanwhile, a heavy rain warning is in place for areas east of Whakatāne between 11pm tonight and 10pm tomorrow. 

NZTA has advised to avoid unnecessary travel "and if you do need to travel, drive to the conditions".

"Please be aware of the possibility of short notice road closures, as we continue to monitor the rainfall levels, especially on State Highway 2 through the Waioweka Gorge and on State Highway 35 north of Te Araroa.

"Be on the alert for rapidly rising water levels, surface flooding and any possible slips or fallen trees."