The swells are expected to keep growing, flights are being cancelled, a plane has been blown over and residents have evacuated.

A state of emergency has been declared for Wellington's Southern and Eastern wards, with some residents advised to stay elsewhere tonight.

Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled ahead of the swells forecast from the evening.

Cook Strait ferry sailings have been cancelled as huge swells are forecast.

Forecasters described conditions as rare and potentially dangerous

Mayor Andrew Little has declared a state of emergency for the city's southern and eastern wards.

Swells up to 10.5m are forecast along Wellington and South Wairarapa coasts.

Waves of nearly 11-metres were seen off the Wairarapa coast as 100km/h gusts pounded the south coast of the region.

The swells are expected to keep growing, flights are being cancelled, a plane has been blown over and residents have evacuated.

Residents around the south coast have been given until 9am to evacuate.

A state of emergency is in force across a swathe of Wellington southern bays.

Authorities evacuated hundreds of people from their seaside homes in New Zealand's capital on Tuesday as 11-metre (36-foot) waves lashed the coast. Waves entering Wellington…

Waves entering Wellington Harbour on Tuesday (Jun 9) were measured at 11m, and some flights were cancelled at Wellington Airport, where wind gusts were recorded of up to 128kmh.

A state of emergency has been declared for parts of Wellington as the weather bureau warned of waves up to nine metres.

Authorities declare state of emergency for affected areas in Wellington