Wild winds are lashing the capital and won't ease until tonight. Gusts of up to 140km/h have been recorded.
MetService meteorologist Tom Adams says gale-force gusts have been recorded in the Wellington region, and things would continue to pick up until lunchtime today.
The mean speed for winds recorded at the Rimutaka Hill summit this morning was 110 km/h and gusts of 140 km/h had been recorded.
In Kelburn, closer to the city, a gust of 130 km/h had been recorded and at Mount Kaukau a gust of 133km/h was recorded.
"We are in the thick of things," Mr Adams said. "It could possibly pick up slightly more, but it's just about maxing out."
MetService issued a severe wind warning was issued for the capital. Trees, powerlines and unsecured structures would be at risk of being toppled and blown away and driving conditions would become hazardous for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
The New Zealand Transport Agency said motorists in and around the capital should take extra care on the roads, watch following distances, and switch their headlights on.
Metlink Wellington said a harbour ferry sailing from Queens Wharf scheduled for 10am was cancelled. A 10.30am sailing from Days Bay was also cancelled due to rough weather.
One Air New Zealand flight from Dunedin due to leave at 10.50am and arrive at 11.25am was cancelled. A member of the airport's operations team said it was otherwise business as usual.
KiwiRail and InterIslander ferry services were not affected this morning, a spokesman said at 11.20am. Wellington Electricity said it also had no dramas with its network despite the strong winds.
Wet week ahead
Heavy rain was forecast for Westland, Buller and Mt Taranaki today.
A severe weather watch was in place for Auckland with a chance of a short burst of heavy rain as the front bringing the heavy rain stalls around the Bay of Plenty region. If the rain reaches Auckland it would be heavy around the evening.
The warmer temperatures experienced yesterday will stick around today, with Auckland reaching a high of 18C.
The weather was forecast to get interesting as the week developed with two systems moving over the country.
Mr Adams said a system of warm air and rain was moving across the North Island tomorrow and Thursday bringing rain to most parts of the North Island.
Later in the week a system of cold Antarctic air would move up to the South Island, he said.
"There's already good talk of Southland getting some heavy snow."
Where and when the snow would arrive was not yet established, Mr Adams said.
- Sophie Ryan of NZME News Service
