Over 12,000 lightning strikes lashed New Zealand in the 24 hours to 8am today.
Many Auckland residents saw lightning last night, with the Sky Tower in the central city taking a number of hits.
MetService said the unstable conditions remain over central and northern New Zealand.
"There is a moderate risk of thunderstorms in western areas from Northland to Manawatū, including Coromandel Peninsula, western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, Taupō and Taihape. These thunderstorms are expected to bring heavy rain, small hail and strong winds gusting 90 to 100 km/h as indicated in the chart.
"A low risk of thunderstorms continues at night in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, coastal parts of Waikato and Waikato, also Taranaki."
There was also a moderate thunderstorm risk in Wairarapa this morning, and a low risk in North Island areas not previously mentioned, Banks Peninsula and the Kaikōura coast.
Meanwhile parts of the lower South Island woke to cold conditions and a dusting of snow, on the back of a southerly.
It comes after parts of the upper North Island, including Auckland, saw flooding after heavy rain fell.
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