An historic apartment building in central Wellington has been evacuated due to a massive land slip.

Emergency services and council staff are assessing the damage from the slip, which occurred below the building in Athol Cres.

Resident Jonathan Kinsella says there was a torrent of water coming down The Terrace last night.

He says it sounded like the Huka Falls outside his bedroom window.

Mr Kinsella says when he woke up this morning, part of the retaining wall had collapsed. He says it could be up to two weeks before residents can move back in to the building.

- NEWSTALK ZB