A renewed travel alert for New Zealand has been issued after a strong cyclone triggered the declaration of a state of emergency.
The North Island suffered flooding with an estimated 250,000 people left without power and travel disrupted.
Auckland airport warned that airline schedules may be disrupted for several days after flights resumed after high winds caused by Cyclone Gabrielle forced the suspension of airline ground operations.
Passengers were urged to check that flights are operating before going to the airport after “several hundred” were forced to stay overnight in the international terminal.
The Foreign Office said in an updated travel advisory: “Strong winds and flooding are impacting the North Island, and power is cut off to a number of communities.
“The government has declared a national state of emergency, covering Northland, Auckland, Tairāwhiti, Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Hawkes Bay and Tararua.
“A state of emergency is in place in Auckland due to widespread flooding following unexpectedly heavy rain. You should monitor local media and follow the advice of the local authorities.
“Auckland airport has experienced disruption leading to flight delays and cancellations. Check with your airline for the latest flight information.”
Airport chief customer officer Scott Tasker said: “After not much flying on Monday due to Cyclone Gabrielle, many airlines restarted flights yesterday.
“Unfortunately, late in the day airline ground handlers made the call to suspend airfield operations from a health and safety perspective, until the wind eased.
“We know this was unwelcome news for people trying to get back travelling again after a couple of days of weather-related disruption but the safety of the those who work on the airfield must come first.”