Flights cancelled, delayed as winds rock Wellington

A raft of domestic flights have been cancelled or delayed at Wellington Airport this evening amid high winds.

Orange strong wind warnings are in place for Wairarapa, Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds until 10am tomorrow.

MetService has warned those in the lower North Island and upper South Island of severe gale northwesterlies gusting up to 120kmh in exposed places.

At least three outbound flights were cancelled and three delayed at Wellington Airport on Thursday evening.

A taxi driver reported seeing cyclists blown off their bikes by wind gusts in Evans Bay, near the airport.

A strong wind warning was also in place for the Canterbury High Country until 1am on Friday.

Heavy rain warnings were issued for the Tararua Range, Westland, and the ranges of the Buller, Grey and Tasman districts until Friday morning.

Further heavy rain was expected Friday evening and Saturday in some areas.