Live map: Cyclone Gita, consider delaying domestic travel across New Zealand

Beachgoers cool off from the humidity at Piha before the arrival of ex-tropical cyclone Gita. Photo / Michael Craig, NZ Herald

KEY POINTS:

• Updated: live map of Gita's path
• Air New Zealand and NZTA issue travel warnings

The impending storm is likely to bring disruptions to local travel and flights across central New Zealand, as passenger airlines and the NZTA batten down the hatches.

As Ex-cyclone Gita blows across New Zealand, she is expected to cause chaos for holiday makers and travellers in the country's most scenic areas.

Air New Zealand issued a travel alert on Monday, stating they were "anticipating significant disruption to our domestic network as well as some international services over the coming week," on their website.

While the airline insisted that its operations would be continuing as normal until further notice, recommending passengers defer travel unless their need is immediate.

The flexibly to deal with cancellations will also be challenged. The "shortage of alternative flights and accommodation" means that passengers may be stranded.

"Any customer who chooses to commence their journey as planned must be advised that they do so at their own risk," stated the airline.

Very difficult driving conditions are also predicted to affect road users.

The NZ Transport agency issued a statement in response to the Ex-cyclone.

"Very strong winds are predicted for several parts of the country, making conditions particularly hazardous for motorcyclists, campervans and other high-sided vehicles."

Where possible, their advice is to delay travel in the affected areas and wait out the effects of Gita "until the predicted severe weather has passed".

Areas on the West Coast and around Nelson are in the projected path of the Ex-cyclone and have been affected by previous storms.

While Wellington is expected to miss the worst of Gita's weather, the top of the South Island will be subjected to gusts of up to 130kmh.

Remote parts of the Marlborough Sounds, popular with campers and holiday makers, have been warned of possible storm surge. Marlborough district council has issued warnings for the area and told those in low-lying areas to avoid travel if possible.

"Be aware of fast rising streams and river levels. Expect coastal impacts with high tide overnight Tuesday and before dawn on Wednesday, due to the combination of tides, low air pressure, strong onshore winds and large waves."

A heavy rain warning is in place from 10am to 10pm on the Tuesday, with the strong wind warning from 4pm on Tuesday to 4am, tomorrow.

Warnings and live updates for road users will be kept up to date at
http://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/traffic/ or on the hotline 0800 44 44 49

See live paths as the storm evolves mapped out by null.school and the US National Weather Service.