A state of emergency is in place for areas of the Wellington region due to heavy swells on the coast.

A mandatory evacuation order is in place for about 350 homes from Ōwhiro to Breaker bay - excluding Lyall Bay.

MetService issued the warning for Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head in Wellington and Turakirae Head to Mataikona in Wairarapa.

Wellington Regional Emergency Management Office (WREMO) urge people to take the warnings very seriously.

WREMO spokesperson Dan Neely told Nick Mills on Wellington Mornings there are roadblocks in evacuated areas and emergency services cannot reach those who stay.

Official advice is to stay away from coastal roads, don't put yourself at risk. Neely said these were the highest waves he's seen in his time here.

Call 111 if you are in an emergency, and stay away from the coast.

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