But a local has criticised Wellington city and emergency officials for what he calls "catastrophising".
34 minutes ago
Island Bay Esplanade after a day of heavy swells.
Clean-up crews are expected to be out and about on south coast roads on Wednesday morning after the coastline was pounded by heavy swells on Tuesday.
High tide hit again overnight, but Mayor Andrew Little told RNZ there had been no reports yet of major damage.
In two parts of Ōwhiro Bay water crossed the road but did not appear to inundate any homes. Small bits of debris and sand littered the road after Tuesday's huge swells.
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Locals have been warned that there is still a risk between 9.45pm and 1.45am, during the next high tide.
The swells are expected to keep growing, flights are being cancelled, a plane has been blown over and residents have evacuated.
Mayor Andrew Little has declared a state of emergency for the city's southern and eastern wards.
Residents around the south coast have been given until 9am to evacuate.
A state of emergency has been declared for Wellington's Southern and Eastern wards, with some residents advised to stay elsewhere…
Authorities evacuated hundreds of people from their seaside homes in New Zealand's capital on Tuesday as 11-metre (36-foot) waves…
