Strong gales continued to hammer the capital and parts of the lower North Island this afternoon, and rain was forecast to be added to the mix overnight.
The second front since New Year eased over the South Island today after bringing heavy rain to central regions and the West Coast - causing some flooding on roads including State Highway 6 south of Hokitika.
Northwesterly gales buffeted the Wellington region for most of the day, with high winds also reported in Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay this afternoon.
The MetService said the front was forecast to add rain to the mix overnight in Wellington, Kapiti and the Tararua ranges before dying out and clearing tomorrow.
Police said there didn't appear to be any major problems with holiday traffic returning to Wellington this afternoon, but the AA traffic roadwatch said congestion near Warkworth caused delays for motorists returning to Auckland from Northland.
NZPA