Water restrictions are being put in place around the country as dry weather begins to bite.

In parts of the Far North, people cannot use garden hoses, sprinklers or irrigation devices. Water blasting and filling swimming pools are banned in Wellington, New Plymouth, Central Hawke's Bay, and people can only use hoses in limited days and times.

Residents in Dunedin and South Wairarapa are also being asked to save water.

RNZ reporter Liu Chen reports.