Container salvage work on the Rena will likely go on hold during the weekend as bad weather brings swells of up to 3 metres.
The weather has prevented salvors removing more containers from the ship.
The weather during the weekend is expected to worsen, with heavy rain, winds of up to 30 knots and swells of up to 3m on Sunday night.
Maritime New Zealand said it was unlikely any container recovery operations would take place in the next few days.
The crane barge Sea Tow 60 was anchored in sheltered water near Motiti Island while salvors waited for clearer weather.