08/06/2026
🌊⚠️HEAVY SWELL WARNING – TURAKIRAE HEAD to MATAIKONA, CAPE TERAWHITI to TURAKIRAE HEAD 🌊⚠️
Wellington South Coast: From 3am 09 June to 9am 10 June
Wairarapa Coast: From 12am Monday 09 June to 9am Wednesday 10 June
We are expecting impacts from significant swells throughout the day on Tuesday.
The biggest risk period will be 1-2 hours either side of high tide, which will be around 11.30am-12.30pm for most places.
The swells, particularly on Wellington’s south coast, are predicted to be higher than what was experienced when roads were impacted in June 2021. Back then, swells of 6.5m were predicted. Tomorrow, 8m swells are predicted.
Wellington City Council mayor Andrew Little has declared a local State of Emergency for Wellington's Southern and Eastern wards.
Residents of South Coast waterfront properties and those who are concerned about flooding stay somewhere else tonight Monday 8 June. Residents of the South Coast can expect extensive road closures on Tuesday 9 June. WCC is urging residents in affected areas, including pets, be out of properties no later than 9am on Tuesday 9 June.
An Emergency Assistance Centre at Wellington South Baptist church, 284 The Parade, will be open from 9pm Monday 8 June for those who don’t have a place to go tonight.
The inner harbour will also experience swells, although it is not yet known if roads will be impacted.
🛳️ Harbours and coastline:
👉 Stay out of the water and avoid beaches and coastal areas.
👉 Stay out of the harbor area.
👉 These swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads, especially around high tide.
👉 Take care walking or driving along roads exposed to the sea during this time.
📍If you are in an affected area:
👉 People living close to swell and surf exposed coastlines should be prepared for the possibility of waves flooding roads and leaving debris, with potential for road closures, and potential damage to property.
👉If your home has been impacted by past swell events you should consider self-evacuating tonight before the impacts start tomorrow.
👉If you are planning to stay, prepare a grab bag with supplies relevant to your family in case you have to leave with short notice. You should also be prepared to shelter in place.
Move important items out of harm’s way, particularly if they are in low-lying garages.
👉 Bring pets inside.
👉 Check on neighbours who might need some support.
👉 For road debris or damage contact your local council.
👉 For serious, life safety issues, contact 111.
🚎Transport:
👉 The interisland ferries have been cancelled tomorrow.
👉 The east by west ferry is cancelled until at least 2pm tomorrow.
👉 Prepare for road disruptions, including public transport disruptions.
👉 Visit Metlink for up to date information about public transport, your local council for local roads, and NZTA/Waka Kotahi for State Highway information.
Keep up to date with the latest warning information through the WREMO Facebook () page and website and MetService.
