MetService forecaster Allister Gorman says the conditions are clearing, with the wind and rain now moving through the Kapiti-Horowhenua region.
But a Wellington Electricity spokesman said more than 500 homes in the Wellington region are without power this morning.
"There's 350 around Titahi Bay, and 164 around Blue Mountains Rd in Upper Hutt without power."
He said crews were working to fix power lines and power should be restored to Titahi Bay by 8.30am, while Blue Mountains Rd residents would be reconnected by 9am.
Warnings remain in force for the Wairarapa and Central Hawkes Bay where gales and intense rain expected as the wild weather tracks over central New Zealand today.
Mr Gorman said the capital, which was battered by fierce winds overnight, was now calmer.
"It will be back to a typical windy Wellington day," he said.
The New Zealand Transport Agency reopened the Rimutaka Hill Road at 6am after strong winds overnight made it impassable.
Last night the Wellington Fire Service was kept busy removing trees and downed power lines from roads, securing lifted roof iron and fences which were being blown around.
Shift manager Mike Wanoa said every brigade in the region was out attending weather-related events last night between 10pm and midnight.
He said Wainuiomata and Eastbourne were worst affected with numerous reports of property damage.
The winds in eastern areas of the upper South Island have since eased revealing a better day.
But on the other side of the main divide showers and rain will continue.
Conditions are forecast to deteriorate further south with more thunderstorms due later today.
Mr Gorman says strong wind warnings remain in force for eastern regions of the North Island.
"This front has still got intense rainfall as it passes over and there will be reasonable rainfall in the regions today."
The upper half of the island will barely notice the rough weather with just a few showers and odd wind gust from Waikato north.
