Tropical Cyclone Vaianu is forecast to bring severe wind and rain to Aotearoa over the weekend of 11-12 April 2026.
All information on this page aims to be relevant and up to date.
This webpage was last updated at: 4pm, Friday 10 April 2026.
Weather forecast for South Wairarapa
The following is the forecast for Wairarapa as at Friday afternoon. Visit the MetService website for up-to-date weather information.
There is a Heavy Rain Watch in place
Period: 12hrs from 11am-11pm Sun, 12 Apr
Area: Wairarapa, including the Tararua District, also eastern and southern parts of Wellington
Forecast: Periods of heavy rain, and amounts may approach warning criteria. Moderate chance of upgrading to a Warning.
There is a Strong Wind Watch in place
Period: 21hrs from noon Sun, 12 Apr-9am Mon, 13 Apr
Area: Wairarapa, including the Tararua district
Forecast: Easterly quarter winds turning west to southwesterly. Winds are likely to reach severe gale in exposed places and may be damaging. High chance of upgrading to a Warning.
Impact: Damage to trees, powerlines, and unsecured structures possible. Driving may be difficult, especially for high-sided vehicles and motorcycles.
Action: Prepare your property by securing items that can be picked up by strong winds. Drive cautiously. Preparedness advice.
There is a Heavy Swell Warning in place
Period: 7hrs from 4pm-11pm Sun, 12 Apr
Area: Wairarapa – Cape Palliser (Lighthouse) to Mataikona
Forecast: Northeast combined waves reaching 6-6.5 metres by mid to late afternoon on Sunday, falling back below 6 metres by late evening Sunday. Peak period 12s. Note that the main risk period for your criteria is during the late evening Sunday, given that the pressure minimum is at that time and that high tide is expected just after midnight.
Current situation for South Wairarapa
South Wairarapa District Council teams are preparing alongside other Wairarapa councils for an Emergency Management response, should it be needed, for when the storm hits. We will post relevant information for our community to this webpage, to our Facebook page, and to Antenno.
Stay informed
- Tune in to The Breeze FM (99.1FM from Eketahuna to Pirinoa, and 99.9FM for Castlepoint and Riversdale) or RNZ (101.5FM / 567AM)
- Follow us, MetService, Wellington Region Emergency Management Office, and Waka Kotahi NZTA – Wellington on Facebook
- Sign up to Antenno for Council news and updates direct to your phone: https://swdc.govt.nz/services/antenno/
Report damage and issues
Use these channels to report issues you come across:
- Call emergency services (police, fire, ambulance) on 111 if the situation is life threatening
- Reports about Council infrastructure and assets can be made via the Antenno app: https://swdc.govt.nz/services/antenno/
- Call our Customer Service team on 06 306 9611
- Use the Get it Sorted online form: https://swdc.govt.nz/contact-us/get-it-sorted/
Where to find more information
MetService for up-to-date weather forecasts: https://www.metservice.com/rural/regions/wairarapa/
Wellington Region Emergency Management Office (WREMO) official information and advice: Facebook and website
Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency for information on State Highways: https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/highway-conditions/wellington
Advice to prepare for a severe weather event: https://swdc.govt.nz/notices-and-updates/be-prepared-for-tropical-cyclone-vaianu/