Urgent Travel Alert: Aussie Travellers Beware When Visiting New Zealand

Heavy downpours and strong winds along the New Zealand coastline
Aircraft have been stationary at Wellington Airport.
READ MORE: Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne Weather: Rain Forecast End Time

Large lines have developed at a key airport.
New Zealand
The city’s operations were disrupted following 87 mph winds and heavy rainfall, which led to flight cancellations and caused widespread transportation issues.

MetService released a uncommon ‘red’ alert for Wellington on Thursday, indicating heavy rainfall, substantial waves, and strong winds capable of causing damage with their intense gusts.

Travelers should anticipate disruptions to both arriving and departing flights in the city for multiple days.

‘A statement from an airport spokesperson revealed that all departures and arrivals at Wellington Airport this afternoon have been canceled,’

‘Intense winds are anticipated to reach their highest point in Wellington during the afternoon and will gradually subside by tonight. Disruptions may persist over the next few days, so kindly verify with your airline for detailed flight updates.’

Air New Zealand
canceled all arrivals and departures for Wellington up until 6 PM local time on Thursday, which includes international flights as well.

Jetstar and Sounds Air as well
canceled all trips for the rest of the day.

The terminals and runways at Christchurch and Auckland airports are functioning normally.

The disturbance has caused a chain reaction affecting certain journeys, resulting in at least seven cancellations of flights from Christchurch to Wellington on Thursday.

Video acquired by New Zealand’s Herald reveals throngs of Jetstar travelers at Wellington Airport, with attendees forming long lines extending through the departure lounge corridors.

The airline expressed gratitude to travelers for their ‘understanding and patience’ in a statement.

‘The safety of customers, crew and airport staff is our number one priority,’ it said.

We have reached out to impacted customers via SMS offering alternatives such as different flight arrangements, a complimentary rescheduling within seven days, or a voucher equivalent to the cost of their unused trips.

Air New Zealand’s chief operating officer, Alex Marren, said the airline has been in touch with customers due to travel to or from Wellington to offer flexibility.

The capital’s city council warned residents to stay indoors if possible and take extra care if travelling due to the conditions.

‘Wellington City Council is aware of multiple trees that have blown down across the city this morning,’ a statement said on social media.

The message indicated that the coastal Moa Point Road was shut down between the southern runway and Spruce Goose café because waves and debris were obstructing the road.

A severe orange rainfall alert has been released by MetService for areas including Wairarapa, located south of Masterton in the North Island.

It extends down to Canterbury on the South Island, encompassing Christchurch and Banks Peninsula.

The Selwyn District Council, which encompasses a region along the eastern coastline of the South Island, announced a local state of emergency on Thursday morning because of extreme weather conditions.

Various institutions throughout the region have been shut down, and the authorities cautioned that numerous thoroughfares are experiencing considerable inundation.