New Zealand issues urgent travel advisory for Wellington, Auckland and central regions
New Zealand has issued an urgent travel advisory for Wellington, Auckland and central regions because of more than 1,800 lightning strikes and severe thunderstorms. The advisory is in force now and applies to travellers in the affected areas.
In this story
At a glance
- What changes
- Urgent travel advisory issued for Wellington, Auckland and central regions
- Timing
- Advisory is active immediately as severe thunderstorm watches are in force
- Who is affected
- Travellers in Wellington, Auckland, Taihape, Whanganui, Manawatū, Tararua, Kāpiti‑Horowhenua and Wairarapa
The details
- Announced by
- MetService and emergency management officials
Reason for the advisory
More than 1,845 lightning strikes were recorded across the North Island during the early morning hours, accompanied by intense rainfall of 20‑33 mm per hour. The humid air mass has destabilised, creating severe thunderstorms that threaten flooding, landslides and hazardous driving conditions.
Active weather watches
Two severe thunderstorm watches are currently in effect. The Northern Watch covers the upper North Island, including greater Auckland, and remains active. The Central/Southern Watch and the Capital Watch both began at midday today, covering Taihape, Whanganui, Manawatū, Tararua, Kāpiti‑Horowhenua, Wairarapa and Wellington.
- Northern Watch – Upper North Island, currently active, residual electrical storms and sudden downpours
- Central/Southern Watch – Taihape, Whanganui, Manawatū, Tararua, Kāpiti‑Horowhenua, midday start, rapid storm development
- Capital Watch – Wellington, midday start, high‑risk torrential rain up to 40 mm/h, flash flooding and slips
Implications for travellers
The advisory recommends delaying non‑essential travel. Drivers are urged to halve speeds, increase following distances and expect sudden surface flooding. Visibility may drop to near zero, and landslides are possible on steep terrain in the warned zones.
- Instantaneous surface flooding on highways and underpasses
- Reduced visibility and ineffective windshield wipers in 40 mm/h rain
- Increased risk of hillside slips in saturated areas
What this means for travellers
Trip planning
- Travelers with existing bookings in Wellington, Auckland or central regions should monitor local updates and consider postponing non‑essential trips
- Those planning to drive should allow extra travel time and be prepared for possible road closures due to flooding or landslides
Cost and documents
- No additional fees or documentation are required by the advisory itself
- Travelers should ensure they have charged devices and emergency supplies in case of power outages
What you need to do
- Check the latest MetService severe thunderstorm watch status before departure
- If travel is essential, reduce speed and increase following distance on all roads
- Secure outdoor furniture and equipment to prevent damage from high winds
Who this affects
-
Visitors in Wellington
The Capital Watch warns of high‑risk torrential rain and urban flash flooding in Wellington
What to do Delay non‑essential travel and monitor watch updates
-
Visitors in Auckland
The Northern Watch remains active over the greater Auckland area with residual storms and sudden downpours
What to do Consider postponing trips and drive cautiously if travel is necessary
-
Travelers in central North Island regions
The Central/Southern Watch covers Taihape, Whanganui, Manawatū, Tararua, Kāpiti‑Horowhenua and Wairarapa with rapid storm development
What to do Stay informed of watch status and avoid non‑essential travel
Frequently asked questions
What is the current travel advisory for Wellington?
The advisory warns of high‑risk torrential rain up to 40 mm per hour, urban flash flooding and potential hillside slips, and recommends delaying non‑essential travel.
Are there any new travel documents required for Auckland?
No new travel documents are required; the advisory only advises caution, reduced speeds and monitoring of the Northern Watch.
When did the severe thunderstorm watches start?
The Northern Watch is currently active, while the Central/Southern and Capital Watches began at midday today.
How many lightning strikes were recorded in the recent storm?
MetService recorded 1,845 lightning strikes across the North Island during the early morning period.
What should drivers do during the advisory?
Drivers should halve their speed, increase following distance, expect sudden surface flooding and be prepared for reduced visibility.
