Wellington airport says airlines are working to clear a backlog of passengers after strong winds affected flights earlier on Friday.
An airport spokesperson says dozens of flights were delayed or cancelled, with winds gusting up to 120km/h hitting the lower North Island.
She said the winds are expected to ease in the next few hours, but there will be a backlog of passengers to clear.
MetService has issued warnings of severe gales in Wellington, Wairarapa and Marlbough, with winds expected to reach up to 140km/h in some places.