Planes unable to land at Wellington Airport

No wind and high moisture means fog blanketing Wellington Airport is not expected to lift until late morning.

Passenger check-in counters have been suspended and flights trying to touch down have had to turn back.

All domestic and international flights since 7am have been cancelled.

Senior MetService forecaster Andy Downs says there is little wind in Cook Strait and only a variable one knot southerly at the airport.

It is hoped sun will help break up some of the fog by midday.

Air New Zealand says 43 domestic flights have been cancelled, affecting nearly 1500 passengers.

International flights were able to leave Wellington before the fog rolled in and there are no international arrivals scheduled until this afternoon.

Palmerston North has been used as an alternative airport for five flights, with passengers being bused to Wellington.

- Newstalk ZB