Strong winds in Wellington this evening have disrupted “a number of flights” and blasted the Bluebridge ferry.

It comes amid a raft of orange strong wind warnings being issued by MetService for the capital, Wairarapa and the Marlborough Sounds.

MetService warned of severe gale northwesterlies gusting up to 120 km/h in exposed places.

“Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles,” MetService said.

Air New Zealand chief operational integrity and safety officer captain David Morgan told the Herald high winds in Wellington had disrupted “a number of flights this evening”.

“Seat availability is limited in some locations due to the long weekend, but our teams are working hard to re-accommodate customers,” Morgan said.

“While we know weather disruptions are frustrating, the safety of our passengers and crew is our utmost priority, and we thank customers for their understanding and patience.”

A Wellington Airport spokesperson said because of strong winds since 5pm, there have been “a number of flight disruptions”.

“So far there have been 11 inbound cancellations including one international flight from Brisbane diverted to Christchurch, and 12 outbound flights cancelled.”

Wellington Airport advised passengers to check with their airlines for the latest flight information.

At 7.40pm, Air NZ said 24 services had been affected, most of them being on the regional network.

RNZ also reported a taxi driver saw cyclists blown off their bikes by wind gusts in Evans Bay, near the airport.

A spokesperson for Bluebridge confirmed high winds prevented its Connemara ferry from berthing earlier this evening.

“The ship has since berthed but this does have the flow-on effect of delays into the evening and tomorrow morning,” they told the Herald.

The Bluebridge ferry Connemara sheltering in Wellington Harbour on October 24, 2024. Image / Supplied

Meanwhile, Labour weekend holidaymakers are being warned to expect rain and traffic congestion.

MetService forecaster Luis Fernandes said almost all of the country would be hit by some rain on Saturday.

“The South Island is particularly wet to start the day off and then the rain is spreading across the North Island,” he said.

“By late afternoon or early evening, just about all of the North Island will have had at least some rain.”