A wild day is in store for Wellington, while other regions enjoy balmy, summer-like conditions.
Parts of the country are enjoying a mini-heatwave, with Ashburton sitting on a tropical 20C just before 7.30am.
But not so for the capital, where a severe weather warning is in force.
Meteorologist April Clark said it would be wet, with winds expected to reach 130km/h in exposed places.
A tree has already come down near Wellington Zoo, blocking the left lane up the hill on Manchester St, police said.
A spokesman said police had to notify the bus services of the downed tree.
Council now have traffic control in place as contractors work to clear the tree.
Metlink said there will be restricted ferry sailings in Wellington as the bad weather rolls in, and the will not be going into Seatoun this morning.
