Cyclone Donna will continue to weaken today as it tracks south away from the tropical islands and towards the New Zealand area.

Donna will track past New Zealand on Friday and may bring a burst of severe weather as it tracks by, says WeatherWatch.co.nz

'Most computer models WeatherWatch.co.nz tends to rely on are picking for the 10th day in a row now that rainy remnants of Donna will track by to the east of the North Island.

'However Donna's journey is somewhat complicated in the New Zealand area as the storm is downgraded and weakens as it leaves the tropics before deepening again into a brand new storm system east of New Zealand on Saturday.

"As it drifts further away, replaced by a high pressure system this weekend over the nation.”