New Zealand insurers are receiving claims after storms crossed the country late last week, with flooding particularly affecting the top of the South Island.

Homes were evacuated, emergency centres opened, schools closed and roads cut as the Tasman and Marlborough regions experienced intense rainfall. 

The weather system also caused damage in the Taranaki region and around Auckland, with some flights cancelled or delayed.

The Insurance Council of New Zealand says industry staff will be available at a community information centre established by Nelson-Tasman Emergency Management at the Motueka Recreation Centre.

IAG says as of 9am today, its AMI, State and NZI businesses have received more than 373 claims across home, contents, motor and commercial property.

The total includes 101 rain-related claims, 71 for wind, 54 for flood and 147 for other causes including tornado damage in Taranaki, trees falling on properties and flying trampolines.

Marlborough District Council says Rai Falls received 281mm of rain and many areas had more than 200mm, in line with initial MetService New Zealand forecasts. 

Some residents evacuated as a precaution returned home at the weekend. 

Tasman District Council says civil defence teams will be visiting rural properties from today to assess requirements.