Severe weather is sweeping across Great Barrier Island, disrupting summer holiday plans and forcing flight and ferry cancellations as strong winds and heavy rain batter the upper North Island.
An active low-pressure system moved south onto the North Island overnight, bringing gale-force southeast wind gusts up to 145km/h and bursts of heavy rain to exposed coastal areas, including Aotea. MetService has issued a Strong Wind Watch for the island, warning that southeast winds may approach severe gale strength in exposed places through Monday afternoon.
The impact was already being felt early Monday, with Barrier Air cancelling or delaying some services to mid-afternoon at the earliest. Other airlines across the country, including Air New Zealand, have also cancelled or delayed flights due to the deteriorating conditions.
SeaLink initially shifted its scheduled 7am sailing from Auckland to 6pm this evening, however the company has now confirmed the evening sailing will no longer go ahead due to worsening conditions.
Seen the storm?
Share your photos or videos to editor@aoteagbi.news or via WhatsApp: https://wa.me/message/VRIZF2X7GSIOB1
The strength of the weather system was underscored by a RIB driven onto the rocks in Puriri Bay. The vessel was photographed hard aground along the shoreline. Concerns have also been raised in Shoal Bay, where two boats were reported to be hitting each other in the gusty conditions. Boaties are being reminded to check their vessels are secure.
Travel disruptions
SeaLink ferries
Latest sailing updates are available at:
https://www.sealink.co.nz/travel-alertsBarrier Air flights
Current flight status can be checked via Auckland Airport:
https://www.aucklandairport.co.nz/flights
(Domestic → Departures → search Barrier Air)
MetService says the low is expected to bring periods of heavy rain and gusty southeast winds to northern and central New Zealand through Monday and into Tuesday, advising people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts and warnings.
Travellers heading to or from Great Barrier Island are being urged to check directly with airlines and ferry operators before departing, as further delays or cancellations remain possible.
