Former Cyclone Hola is weakening but is still predicted to bring rain and gales to northern New Zealand.

MetService says Hola will bring severe gales and heavy rain to northern and eastern parts of the North Island tomorrow and early Tuesday.

The heaviest rain is expected in Northland, Aotea Great Barrier Island, Coromandel Peninsula and Gisborne, where a heavy rain warning is now in force.

Southeasterly gales are expected to develop by early tomorrow morning, before changing southwesterly tomorrow afternoon and evening.

The strongest winds are expected in Northland, Auckland, Coromandel Peninsula, Bay of Plenty and Gisborne, and a strong wind warning is in force for these areas.