9 June high swell alert

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People & CommunitiesProperty & Building

Published: 8 June 2026

See the latest updates on the Heavy Swell Warning for the Wairarapa and Wellington.
UPDATE 5.20PM 8/6/26:
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. For more information visit wellington.govt.nz/swell-warning

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.

UPDATE 4PM 8/6/26: WREMO are advising that swells starting early on 9 June could be among the largest seen in recent years across the Wellington coastline.
While the greatest impacts are expected along Wellington's south coast, waves may also affect parts of our harbour coastline, including Eastbourne and the Petone foreshore. Large waves, debris and surface flooding could affect some coastal roads and shared paths, particularly around high tide on Tuesday.
If you're travelling through Eastbourne, around Lowry Bay, along the Petone foreshore, or using Te Ara Tupua, take extra care and be prepared for possible disruptions. The biggest waves are expected from 10.00am-1.30pm on Tuesday 9 June.
If your property has been affected by previous swell events, now is the time to prepare.
Our teams are monitoring conditions closely and are ready to respond if required. We'll share updates if there are any impacts to our local communities, roads, facilities or pathways.

MetService New Zealand have issued a Heavy Swell Warning for the Wairarapa and Wellington.
Wairarapa: Heavy Swell Warning for Turakirae Head to Mataikona
Valid from 12am, 09 June to 12pm, 10 June
Southerly combined waves rising to 9-10 metres late Tuesday morning, then easing Wednesday morning. Peak period 14 seconds.
The highest risk period is typically at or within 1-2 hours of high tide:
-Cape Palliser high tides: 11:29 am, 11:52 pm Tuesday 9th
-Castlepoint high tides: 11:43am Tuesday 9th, 12.09am Wednesday 10th
Wellington:
Heavy Swell Warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head
Valid from 6am, 09 June to 6am, 10 June
Southerly combined waves rising to 7-8 metres Tuesday midday, then easing Tuesday evening. Peak period 12-14 seconds.
The highest risk period is typically at or within 1-2 hours of high tide:
- Cape Terawhiti high tides: 12:26 pm Tuesday 9th, 12:49am Wednesday 10th
- Wellington high tides: 11:19am,11.42pm Tuesday 9th
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.
Surfers, divers, recreational reef fishers/surfcasters should be extra cautious and avoid exposed locations.
Check the forecast before heading out on a boat, and if in doubt, do not go.
Keep an eye on the weather and visit https://www.metservice.com/warnings/home for the latest updates.