Auckland was struck by thunder and lightning this afternoon as a line of thunderstorms moved north.
The front had earlier moved up from Taranaki, along the coast, with lightening and thunder being most active over the water and where the storms connect with land, Metservice said.
As it went inland the Thunder was mostly confined to Waikato, with the greater region and Rotorua already having felt the violent winds and thunder.
Motorists are being urged to take care in the central Hawke's Bay tonight, as winds continue to affect the region.
Police say the windy conditions are likely to continue for most of the night, which could make driving particularly dangerous for high-sided vehicles.
