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 Harbour on Tuesday were measured at 11 metres, New Zealand's MetService said.

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