Yip I can confirm it was heavy... we were driving in it... We were heading from Herbert Forrest Camp Ground back to Dunedin... and the rain started just as we left and was heavy and very loud whilst drive. There was thunder and lightening very very frightening... there is a song in that somewhere

There was also bit of hail amongst it as well. The down pour we were in lasted a good 10 - 15 minutes and  I did see a couple of bikers riding in it... and I am glad I wasn't camping in it... lol