Wellington fog disrupts flights

Heavy fog has disrupted flights in and out of Wellington Airport.

An airport spokesman said flights had been cancelled since 8.30am. He said the fog showed no sign of lifting.

By 11.30am, at least 15 arrivals and 15 departures had been cancelled.

The closure of Wellington airport had meant Prime Minister Helen Clark was unable to leave Auckland this morning, her spokesman told NZPA.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Tracy Palmer said the low cloud in Wellington and fog in Christchurch was delaying flights in and out of the two centres.

She said two flights from Auckland - one to Wellington and one to Christchurch - returned to Auckland while another was diverted to Palmerston North.

Meanwhile, drivers in Upper Hutt and Wellington's northern suburbs are being warned to drive to the conditions.

Inspector Steve Darroch said drivers should watch their distance and drive with their lights on.

He said cyclists should also take "special care".

- NZHERALD STAFF