Storm-force gales and monster seas are set to batter the country's west coast in a day expected to bring a wintry onslaught of wild weather.
Hundreds of homes and businesses were without power at midday, as violent gales start wreaking havoc, with trees toppling and flying branches cutting power in rural areas south of Auckland.
Dangerous nine-metre waves or even higher were predicted to pound western coastal regions of both islands, with WeatherWatch.co.nz warning of a potentially damaging storm surge.
"These are exceptionally large waves and people should avoid being too near the water," said WeatherWatch head forecaster Philip Duncan.
On top this, the upper North Island is in for a battering, with a strong-wind watch issued for Hamilton north, with gales ramping up across the day. Southwesterly gusts are expected to reach a powerful 110km/h.
Storm-strength winds started causing problems just before midday, with large trees and flying branches bringing down power lines and cutting electricity to around 400 properties across Tuakau and Pukekohe.
Fire crews were called out to clear a large tree that brought down powerlines in Tuakau and to secure a patio roof threatening to take flight in Pukekohe.
There were also thunderstorms in the mix, as well as a fresh snowfall for the centre of the island.
Meanwhile, in the south, snow was falling across inland Otago and Southland. It's expected to worsen tomorrow, descending to near sea level in the deep south.
Road Snowfall Warning issued for Desert Rd, Lewis Pass, Porters Pass, Crown Range Rd, Milford Rd https://t.co/4q6fJGqu2W
— MetService Severe Weather Info (@MetServiceWARN) July 21, 2020
Bitterly cold flurries are also expected to bring up to 2cm of snow on the central plateau this morning.
A number of snowfall warnings have been issued for key alpine passes including the Desert Rd this morning.
MetService said significant swells would pound West Coast beaches of both islands for the coming two days.
Waves were expected to reach a towering six metres, especially about Kaipara, north of Auckland.
🌊 West Coast Waves 🌊
— MetService (@MetService) July 21, 2020
In addition to gale winds, the southwesterlies bring significant swells tomorrow. Waves may reach heights of 5 - 6 metres in the west, especially about Kaipara which is exposed from this direction https://t.co/y7sa5NX9NG ^Tahlia pic.twitter.com/VGnZpzaDnE
WeatherWatch warned that towering waves up to eight metres high could slam the Manukau Heads at the harbour's entrance this afternoon.
In addition to blustery winds walloping the top of the country, there was also a risk of heavy thundery showers bringing gusts to other regions not under the alert.
The strong winds and dangerous seas were expected to ease slowly across Thursday and Friday.