A meteorologist says severe gusts hit 168 km/h on Sunday morning at Wellington's Mt Kaukau, but as the wind coming from the Tasman Sea eases, the country is being treated to unusually warm weather during winter.

MetService meteorologist Gerard Bellham said "strong, blustery winds" have hit central parts of the country.

An orange strong wind warning is in place for Wairarapa until 3pm and Tararua District until 8pm.

Meanwhile, down south, the same warning is in place for Southland, Fiordland and Stewart Island until 2pm, and Dunedin and Clutha until 3pm.

Bellham said the front was coming from the Tasman Sea, bringing a lot of warm air over from Australia.

He said Hawke's Bay and Napier would be the first to see high temperatures this week, getting to 21 degrees on Sunday - well above the 15-degree maximum the areas usually see at this time of year.

Bellham said Kiwis would see "spring-like" weather this week, with temperatures in the low 20s.

Wellington Airport said two flights were unable to land this morning, due to high winds, and were diverted.

The airport said two more flights were cancelled before takeoff today, but normal operations had resumed for now.

Widespread power outages

Bellham said widespread power outages were wind related.

Wellington Electricity reported outages for more than 650 customers across the region, with restoration times of up to five hours.

The wind brought down a powerline across Treadwell Street in Lower Hutt, with police blocking off the hazard.

Power Co reported almost 400 homes were without power in the Wairarapa region and 200 in Manawatū.

More than 700 homes had unplanned outages in the Marlborough area, according to provider Marlborough Lines' outage map.

More than 300 homes in Tasman had been out since early Sunday morning, Network Tasman advised.

Westpower said almost 400 homes along the West Coast in places like Hokitika and Wahapo were out.

About 20 homes in Christchurch City were without power, Orion reported.