Very large southerly swells from Cook Strait have forced the closure of Moa Point Road at the southern end of Wellington Airport overnight. The waves have been bringing boulders, rocks and other debris down onto the road.

Motorists are also warned to avoid south coast roads especially in the Owhiro Bay and Island Bay areas where kelp, rocks and other debris has been washed up and is making driving conditions hazardous.

City Council contractors are working to clear the roads but motorists are advised to avoid the south coast roads if at all possible.