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 Wellington's Southern and Eastern wards, with some residents advised to stay elsewhere tonight.

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.

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

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

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

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.

Polícia agiu para garantir que moradores fossem transferidos para locais elevados

Authorities declare state of emergency for affected areas in Wellington

Locals have been warned that there is still a risk between 9.45pm and 1.45am, during the next high tide.

Meterhohe Wellen rollen in den Hafen von Wellington. Der Bürgermeister ruft für einige Orte den Notstand aus. Etliche Menschen müssen ihre Wohnung verlassen.

Gale-force winds and rough seas battered New Zealand's capital of Wellington on Tuesday, forcing ferry and flight cancellations and road closures as authorities urged hundreds of…

But a local has criticised Wellington city and emergency officials for what he calls "catastrophising".

Auckland is starting the day on a brisk 7C while Hamilton is sitting on freezing point.