Holidaymakers are clearing out of campgrounds in mass numbers as a subtropical storm makes its way down to northern parts of the country.

MetService has issued an Orange Heavy Rain Warning for Northland and Coromandel until early tomorrow morning.

Campgrounds report visitors have fled in droves, with only a few campervans left.

Earl Adams from Earl's Paradise Camp at Whangapoua on the Coromandel says only the toughest of campers survived last night.

He says the majority of them took off yesterday, but the hardy ones that have stayed are enduring strong winds along with a decent earthquake just after 5:30am this morning.

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