Strong winds in Canterbury, flights cancelled in Wellington as bad weather moves up country

Parts of the South Island are being lashed by heavy rain and severe gales as an active front moves up the country.

MetService meteorologist Samkelo Magwala said a wind gust of about 200km/h was recorded at Mount Hutt, Canterbury, around 8am on Monday.

He advised people in affected areas to keep an eye on the weather and road conditions.

"Those people who are planning to travel after the long weekend ... should be vigilant when driving, especially in those areas where the weather won't be so pleasant," he said.

Meanwhile, gusty winds are causing delays and cancellations for flights coming into the capital.

An RNZ reporter said his plane from Auckland tried to land in Wellington twice, before returning to Auckland.

As of 2.30 pm at least seven arriving flights have either been cancelled or diverted, a Wellington Airport spokesperson said.

Multiple other flights appeared to be delayed, according to the airport website.

The spokesperson said passengers should check the status of their flights directly with the airline, as there may be more cancellations to come.

Earlier, police said they were closing a central road in Wellington due to high wind gusts.

A spokesperson said a stretch of Oriental Parade and Evans Bay Parade was being shut following reports of multiple people falling off bicycles and wing mirrors being blown off cars.

The road around the point is closed from Carlton Gore Road in Oriental Bay to Maida Vale Road at the intersection with Evans Bay Parade.

Fire and Emergency said crews have so far dealt with five wind-related callouts, including material falling from buildings and downed power lines.

Shift manager Becca said a piece of panelling had fallen off the ceiling of Jetts Fitness in Miramar, and glass had fallen onto the footpath and street from a balcony in Mount Victoria.

Crews in both areas were trying to keep the area safe, Becca said.

Weather warnings in place

Westland and Fiordland are under orange rain warnings, with up to 250 millimetres of rain expected about the ranges of Westland.

Metservice issued rain and wind warnings and watches for some of the South Island on Sunday, but more warnings are now in place for parts of the lower North Island.

New Zealand Transport Agency Waka Kotahi said heavy rain would make roads slippery, meaning drivers should think about adjusting their speed and travelling distances, avoiding sudden braking and staying visible.

"People are also urged to avoid driving through any floodwaters, especially where the depth is unclear and there may be hidden obstructions," the agency said.

"NZTA contractors will be monitoring the state highway network and will respond to any slips or obstructions that need clearing."

An orange strong wind warning is in place for Wellington, Wairarapa, the Canterbury High Country and Plains, Otago, Fiordland, Marlborough, Southland and Stewart Island, with gusts up to 120km/h possible in exposed places.

These warnings expire from 7pm Monday in the south and 9am Tuesday in Wellington.

A strong wind watch has also been issued for Christchurch from 6pm Monday, the Tararua District from 11pm Monday and in Horowhenua and Kāpiti from 3am Tuesday.

An orange heavy rain warning is in place for Grey and Buller districts, Westland, the headwaters of the Canterbury lakes and rivers about and south of Arthur's Pass, the headwaters of the Otago lakes and rivers, and Fiordland.

An orange heavy rain warning will go in place for the Tararua Range from 2am Tuesday.

There is a heavy rain watch for the Queenstown Lakes district away from the headwaters and Southland and Stewart Island, expiring from 11pm Monday in the south to 11am Tuesday in the north.

Westland can expect the heaviest falls, with 200 to 250mm forecast about the ranges and 300mm possible about isolated peaks.

Most of the warnings expire from Tuesday morning, with those in the lower South Island expiring on Monday.

MetService said there was a low to minimal chance of its orange wind and rain warnings being upgraded to red.

It said damage to trees, powerlines and unsecured structures was possible and advised caution when driving.