Glenorchy, Queenstown suburbs without electricity after wild winds bring down power lines

More than 500 households in Glenorchy and parts of Queenstown remain without power after wild weather brought down lines overnight.

A tree that had fallen across powerlines at Bobs Cove on the Queenstown-Glenorchy Rd has cut power to the southern lake settlement and blocked the road in both directions.

Emergency services worked late into the night to remove the tree while crews began repairing the lines.

The road reopened just before 2am.

This morning a Delta spokesman said power remained out to all of Glenorchy and the Queenstown suburbs of Fernhill and Sunshine Bay.

Delta said electricity was cut to 350 customers in Glenorchy and 200 in parts of Fernhill and Moke Lake. Repairs were under way but could take a while.

The Queenstown Lakes District Council described the conditions as "difficult" as gale-force winds and heavy rain pounded the region.

This morning much of southern and central New Zealand remains under a heavy rain and severe gale warning.

The heaviest rain is forecast to fall on Fiordland and the Westland ranges.

Potentially damaging gales of up to 140km/h are expected across southern and eastern regions of the South Island and the bottom of the North Island.

Morning NW gale for the lower North Island & the top of the South. Westerly strong in coastal Southland https://t.co/d2ipJMFlYI pic.twitter.com/3QAFjxsmgn

— Chester Lampkin WUSA 9 (@chesterlampkin) January 24, 2017

The capital's harbour ferry service cancelled mid-morning sailings from Queens Wharf and Days Bay because of deteriorating weather conditions.

Drivers were also being warned to take care on the Rimutaka Hill Rd as winds strengthened.

AREA WARNING: Strong winds #SH2 Rimutaka Hill. Please #TakeCare especially if you are in a high-sided vehicle or motorcycle. ^MN pic.twitter.com/SoQhtw6OS8

— Waka Kotahi NZTA Central North Island (@WakaKotahiCNI) January 24, 2017