A flood warning has been issued for the Kaikoura and Hurunui districts following heavy rain overnight, leading to high river flows and localised surface flooding.

An Environment Canterbury spokesperson said heavy rain had fallen in parts of the Hurunui District and the Seaward Kaikoura Range overnight, with rain easing on Saturday morning.

The spokesperson said high flows had occurred in several hill fed rivers around Kaikoura, including the Hapuku River, Mt Fyffe streams, Lyell Creek and the Kowhai River. The Mason River in the Hurunui District also experienced high flows.

They said flows were now receding in these rivers, but localised surface flooding remained in some areas.

The Environment Canterbury spokesperson said monitoring would continue throughout the event, including forecasts, landed rainfall, river flows and flood protection infrastructure.

People were advised to stay up to date with the latest flooding information and to be cautious around riverbeds. Farmers near flood affected rivers were advised to monitor their situation and consider moving stock away from vulnerable areas.