Wellington state of emergency, evacuations ahead of huge swells in Cook Strait
Monday, 8 June 2026
Residents on Wellington’s south coast have been told to leave the area by 9am today after MetService issued a heavy swell warning and Wellington mayor Andrew Little declared a local state of emergency.
The state of emergency was for Paekawakawa/Southern and Motukairangi/Eastern wards to support the response to the heavy swell warning for Wellington’s south coast, the council said.
An emergency alert was sent urging residents in waterfront properties between Ōwhiro Bay and Breaker Bay to leave on Monday night “while it is safe”, ahead of a mandatory evacuation from 9am on Tuesday. Lyall Bay was not included in the evacuation order.
“Residents of the South Coast can expect extensive road closures on Tuesday 9 June. We require those in affected areas including pets be out of properties no later than 9am on Tuesday 9 June,” the council said. After 9am, “it may be too dangerous to leave your property”, according to the alert.
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An Emergency Assistance Centre at Wellington South Baptist church in Island Bay will be open from 9pm on Monday for those who did not have a place to go.
There will be two particularly dangerous periods when waves are expected to rise 8 to 9 metres, the council said. Everyone must stay away from the southern coastline two hours either side of high tide at 11.19am on Tuesday, and two hours either side of high tide at 11.42pm on Tuesday.
Wellington Civil Defence Controller Phil Becker said the size of the forecast waves meant there was a real risk to the safety of residents on the coast and that properties may be inundated by seawater.
The Wairarapa coast and Wellington Harbour were also expected to be hit hard by the swells.
Waves are expected to ease about 9am on Wednesday, but it may take longer to clear any debris from roads and ensure impacted areas are safe.
The MetService warning was for the south coast of the lower North Island, including Wairarapa and Wellington, for 36 hours from midnight Tuesday to noon Wednesday.
Ferry operator Bluebridge has cancelled its Monday 8.30pm Wellington to Picton sailing and its three services on Tuesday morning. Interislander has cancelled all Tuesday sailings.
Users of the new Ngauranga to Petone shared path were advised to exercise caution and consider alternative transport.
NZTA/Waka Kotahi and the Wellington Transport Operations Centre will monitor conditions and may close Te Ara Tupua at short notice if wave conditions pose a safety risk. The times of heightened risk will be around high tide – 11.20am and 11.40pm on Tuesday.
Wellington Civil Defence Emergency Management spokesperson Dan Neely said earlier it had the potential to be a significant event for parts of the Wellington region.
“In 2020 a heavy swell event struck Wellington's south coast with 5.5-metre waves pounding coastal suburbs, causing widespread damage and evacuations. Tomorrow, we expect the swells could be up to 8m around Wellington’s south coast, so we are preparing for a significant swell event and asking the public to do the same.”
The public were asked to stay out of the water and avoid beaches and coastal areas.
“The sun might be shining but these swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads, especially around high tide at midday. The public is urged to avoid Wellington’s south coast roads, as well as coastal roads around Wairarapa. Extreme caution should be taken if you have to drive on these roads.”
He said emergency services, councils and partner agencies were working together to respond, with welfare and transport impacts being closely monitored.
Warnings for Wairarapa residents
The biggest swells of up to 10m are expected between Turakirae Head to Mataikona in South Wairarapa. The warning predicted a strong southerly wind creating waves rising to 9-10m late on Tuesday morning, then easing Wednesday morning.
These swells could “bring debris and surface flooding to roads”, especially around high tide.
The highest risk period is typically at, or within, one to two hours of high tide. This would be about 11.30am and 11.50pm on Tuesday at Cape Palliser and about 11.45am at Castlepoint.
“Take care walking or driving along roads exposed to the sea during this time. Surfers, divers, recreational reef fishers/surfcasters should be extra cautious and avoid exposed locations,” a MetService spokesperson said.
People were advised to check the forecast before heading out on a boat.
A South Wairarapa District Council spokesperson said Cape Palliser Rd from the Hurupi Bridge would be closed from 9am on Tuesday and the closure was expected to remain in place for at least 24 hours.
“Anyone camping or living beyond Hurupi Bridge who may need to leave in the next few days is strongly encouraged to travel inland now, or as soon as possible.
“We'll continue to keep our channels updated with any change to these circumstances.”