The Little River Volunteer Fire Brigade has carried out multiple welfare checks and minor water rescues as flooding continues to impact the Banks Peninsula township.

In an update, the brigade said crews responded to vehicles stuck in floodwaters and properties affected by rising water.

“Please DO NOT drive through floodwaters,” the brigade said.

A specialist water rescue team from Christchurch has arrived and is on standby at the Little River station.

While water levels have started to drop, the brigade said the orange heavy rain warning remains in place until 9pm and further heavy rain is possible before then.

State Highway 75 remains closed. “Stay safe at home, do not go sight seeing please,” the brigade said.