Flights in and out of Wellington have been cancelled, causing travel chaos.

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.

Flights in and out of Wellington have been cancelled, causing travel chaos.