08/06/2026
Kia ora Wellington Region,
Wellington City Council’s mandatory evacuation order for South Coast Waterfront Properties is now in effect. See their post below for more information.
The public is urged to avoid Wellington’s south coast roads – most coastal roads are closed and will remain closed until the area is deemed safe.
We are also advising people to avoid coastal roads around Wairarapa – particularly South Wairarapa Lake Ferry, Ngawi and north with Mataikona, Castlepoint, Whakataki and Riversdale Beach.
Extreme caution should be taken if you have to drive on these roads – refer to your local council for the latest road closure and evacuation information.
People are strongly advised to follow the below safety advice:
Harbours and coastline:
🛳️Stay out of the water and avoid beaches and coastal areas.
🛳️Stay out of the harbor area.
🌊These swells could bring debris and surface flooding to roads, especially around high tide.
🚗Take care walking or driving along roads exposed to the sea during this time across Wellington Region Coastline.
If you are in an affected area:
⚠️Affected residents living on Wellington's South Coast should have evacuated the area by 9am today and you need to be prepared to stay elsewhere until further notice.
⚠️If you’re not in the identified risk areas but your home has been impacted by past swell events, you should consider self-evacuating.
⚠️If you have not left the evacuation zones, you do so at your own risk. This evacuation is to ensure the safety of affected residents, and to avoid emergency workers having to put themselves at risk rescuing people stranded in buildings endangered by the sea state.
❤ Check on neighbours who might need some support.
For serious, life safety issues, contact 111.
Keep up to date with the latest warning information through the WREMO Facebook () page and website and MetService.
HEAVY SWELLS, EVACUATE NOW
A mandatory evacuation order is in place from 9am today for waterfront properties in:
📍 Ōwhiro Bay
📍 Island Bay
📍 Houghton Bay
📍 Breaker Bay
📍 Moa Point
Lyall Bay is not included in this evacuation order. If your property is in Lyall Bay and you feel unsafe, we encourage you to self-evacuate.
This evacuation is to ensure the safety of affected residents, and to avoid emergency workers having to put themselves at risk rescuing people stranded in buildings endangered by the sea state.
From 9am, no vehicles will be allowed into these areas. This includes emergency services vehicles. This is to prepare for the first dangerous swell window between 10am and 1pm, which will coincide with high tide.
Significant disruption is expected. Some routes will not be accessible. Detours and shortened routes are in place.
Stay away from the coast, avoid wave-watching, and respect all road closures.
Road closures are in place between Tirangi Road in Lyall Bay and the Pass of Branda in Seatoun and between Sutherland Road in Lyall Bay and Red Rocks.
If your home has been impacted by past swell and storm events or you have concerns, you should arrange accommodation with friends and family until Wednesday afternoon.
The public should avoid the affected areas throughout Tuesday and Wednesday until advised otherwise.
For context, the 2021 heavy swell event which saw a local State of Emergency declared and homes evacuated from Breaker Bay had expected swell heights of 6.5 metres. We are expecting swells of 8.5-9.5 metres during this event.
If you're in an affected area:
💊Take essential items, medications, important documents, and clothing with you.
🐾Make arrangements for pets.
🫂Stay with friends or whānau if possible.
❤Check on neighbours who may need assistance.
📍An Emergency Assistance Centre is available at Wellington South Baptist Church, 284 The Parade, for those needing support.
📍From 9am another Emergency Assistance Centre is opening at Miramar Maupuia Community Centre, 27 Chelsea Street.
For more details of the warning and the latest updates, visit wellington.govt.nz/swell-warning
Take care and stay safe.
