Shipping container washes up on Wellington beach

Strong Wellington winds have once again caused large empty shipping containers to end up in the capital's harbour.

Harbourmaster Mike Pryce said two large empty shipping containers were blown into the water by strong wind gusts around 9pm last night.

The containers were blown into the water off the container terminal at Wellington's CentrePort.

One had since washed ashore at Oriental Bay Beach.

"It's a big white one you can't miss it. So everyone will be noticing that as they drive to work this morning."

Another container was perched against the seawall near the Thorndon container terminal, Mr Pryce said.

Centreport would work to safely retrieve the two shipping containers this morning, he said.

MetService meteorologist Rob Kerr said north northwesterly gusts had reached up to 100 km/h at Wellington Harbour last night.

This morning strong gales continued to batter the capital, with winds of up to 150 km/h recorded in exposed place, Mr Kerr said.

However, these winds were likely to ease later this afternoon, Mr Kerr said.

Earlier this year, three bright orange shipping containers were blown into Wellington Harbour.

At the time, Mr Pryce said it was rare for containers to be blown into the water.

"I can't remember the last time, I think last time two blew off a container ship, but I can't recall them blowing into the harbour off the wharf before."