Ferry sailing across the Cook Strait have been abandoned or face cancellations as strong winds and large swells make for an unsafe crossing.
Bluebridge has canned its sailings between Wellington and Picton from Tuesday through to Wednesday as sea conditions "are forecast to deteriorate".
Bluebridge said "we're sorry" for the cancellations of its sailings and encouraged customers to contact them online.
Interislander has not yet cancelled its sailings. On Monday it said it was "monitoring the situation closely".
Interislander's website said heavy seas are expected and the weather forecast is likely to worsen.
MetService has issued strong wind watches for the bottom of the North Island and top of the South as a "strong moist" southerly flow develops.
A strong orange wind warning is in effect over coastal Marlborough north of Clarence, the Marlborough Sounds from 9am Tuesday to 1am Wednesday.
Wellington is under a strong wind watch too from 9am Tuesday to 6am Wednesday.
A heavy swell warning has not been issued by MetService.
A strong wind watch has been issued for Kāpiti south of Ōtaki and Wairarapa south of Caterton from 9am Tuesday to 9am Wednesday.
The bad weather isn't just isolated to central New Zealand - MetService's severe weather warnings and watches are scattered across the motu.
A slow-moving trough could bring thunderstorms and downpours to Hawke's Bay and south of Gisborne/Tairāwhiti on Tuesday afternoon and into the evening.
A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Taupō, Gisborne and Hawke's Bay from 12pm Tuesday to 7pm Tuesday.
Gisborne/Tairāwhiti north of Gisborne city is under a heavy rain watch from 12pm Tuesday to 9pm Tuesday.
"Periods of heavy rain. Rainfall amounts may approach warning criteria. Note that a watch for severe thunderstorms has been issued for this area. There may be localised downpours of 25 - 40 mm/h and hail. Warnings for severe thunderstorms may be issued this afternoon and early evening."
Wairarapa and the eastern hills of Wellington are under a heavy rain watch too from 9am Tuesday to 4pm Wednesday.
"Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Note that the heaviest rain is expected in the far south of Wairarapa and about the eastern hills of Wellington south of Stokes Valley," said MetService's website.
Road closures
- SH2 Awakeri – a fallen tree is blocking lanes between Station Road and Downward Road in the White Bush area. Expect delays.
- SH2 Waimana Gorge – a fallen tree is blocking lanes. Expect delays.
- SH2 Waioeka Gorge – trees are down blocking lanes. Highway closed.
- SH2 Waiotahe Beach – a slip has closed the highway between Waiotahi Valley Back Road & Paerata Ridge Road. Local road detour in place. Geotechnical engineers are assessing the risk to road users and contractors, a clear up will begin as soon as its safe.
- SH5 Tumunui – a slip is partially blocking a section of SH5 south of Tumunui and stop/go traffic management is in place. (Photo attached.)
- SH30 Rotoma – a tree is down reducing the highway to one lane. Drive with care.
- SH35 - multiple slips reported after the heavy rain. Highway remains closed in areas.
- Rotorua region - General surface water. Drive with care.
