Scores of flights cancelled but some long-haul flights still getting into Auckland.

Watch as waves crash onto Tamaki drive as cyclone Gabrielle arrives in Auckland. Video / Hayden Woodward

Auckland Transport is urging people to avoid all non-urgent travel until Tuesday.

Heavy winds and monster waves hit the upper North Island as Cyclone Gabrielle moves in, how the bad weather’s affecting our transport and roads and the death toll in Turkey and Syria rises in the latest New Zealand Herald headlines. Video / NZ Herald

Northland and Gisborne are also under red heavy rain warnings.

“At the moment there is no need for residents to evacuate."

Incredible footage of monster waves at Hahei Beach, Coromandel as Cyclone Gabrielle makes its way toward Aotearoa. Video / Matthew Davison

Video footage around the North Island shows the early heavy swells and winds from Cyclone Gabrielle.

All the information from AEM, Metservice and Auckland Council you need to know as Cyclone Gabrielle bears down on Auckland. Video / NZ Herald / AEM / Auckland Council

Aucklanders have rushed to stores to stock up on essentials as the cyclone approaches.

The impact of Cyclone Gabrielle could be seen at Ruakaka Beach on Northland's east coast. Video / Rhys Graham

Focus Live: Prime Minister Chris Hipkins gives update on cyclone Gabrielle

Power lines in the area are down.

Rough seas, strong winds and heavy rain hit Whangarei. Video / Supplied

Fears cyclone could bring another round of road closures to Coromandel Peninsula.

Long queues for sand, supermarkets and support as residents prepare for the storm.

Evacuation centres are today being opened as category three Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

Evacuation centres are today being opened as Category 3 Cyclone Gabrielle bears down.

Focus Live: Auckland Emergency Management gives update on cyclone Gabrielle

Queues have already started to form as householders prepare for the storm.

Aussie traveller defers trip after non-essential travel warning

North Islanders have been warned to be ready for the worst.

Secondary schools around Auckland considering closing campuses on Monday or Tuesday.

The cyclone heading toward New Zealand is expected to bring dangerous conditions to the North Island and parts of the South. Video / NZ Herald

While panic buying is low, retailers are preparing for Cyclone Gabrielle's worst.

Civil Defence will release details of evacuation centres as they are needed.

Civil Defence will be closely monitoring the situation over the weekend.

Expect severe gales, destructive winds and monster waves.

Large waves and a storm surge are expected to affect northern and eastern coastlines.