Strong winds are battering the North and Upper South Islands, cancelling ferrys and flights, closing highways, and cutting power to homes.

While the north has humidity and rain, the south of NZ will see snowfall.

Some North Island regions will get up to 13 hours of rain across the day.

Snow may fall to low levels across parts of the South Island overnight.

High winds and heavy swells in the lower North and upper South Islands could cause some disruption.

Strong winds are battering the North and Upper South Islands, cancelling ferrys and flights, closing highways, and cutting power to homes.

Heavy rain, damaging winds and snow are forecast across New Zealand.

Dozens of flights to and from Wellington are being cancelled as heavy winds cut power, damage roofs and prompt emergency callouts around the country.

'Hurricane-force' winds have been measured on The Brothers islands in the Cook Strait.