Huge waves scatter debris on coastal roads

Huge waves and powerful winds have scattered debris and stopped traffic on coastal roads in central parts of the country today.

Wellington's Moa Point Road was closed as enormous waves pounded the area and spread seaweed and other detritus around.

Debris were strewn about a coastal road in Island Bay and contractors were busy shovelling rocks off the road this morning.

In the South Island, high tides and big swells blocked parts of State Highway One in Kaikoura.

A low pressure system east of New Zealand was "making its presence felt with rough seas off the east coast," MetService said this afternoon.

The big swells in Cook Strait disrupted plans for some Interislander ferry passengers.

The 10.45am Aratere sailing from Picton was cancelled, and the 2.45pm Aratere sailing from Wellington was freight only.

The company said affected passengers and their vehicles would be transferred to the Arahura sailing at 6.30pm.

Interislander said on its website the rest of the day's sailings were expected to leave on time.