Strong winds across the central and lower North Island overnight tore off roofs, knocked down trees and fences and smashed windows.

The severe gales, which forced the cancellation of flights and Cook Strait ferries, reached near record gusts in the lower North Island.

Fire and Emergency Central Region says crews attended 164 weather-related calls between 6pm and 11pm on Sunday.

They dealt with roofs blown off, smashed windows, trees coming down onto powerlines and fences being knocked flat.

FENZ says Kāpiti Coast, Wairarapa, Wainuiomata in Lower Hutt and Wellington's Miramar Peninsula appeared to have the most damage, though there have been no reports of injuries.

Multiple flights to and from Wellington Airport are cancelled this morning, following cancellations on Sunday night.

Cook Strait ferries are operating today but passengers are warned to expect rough conditions, with large swells predicted for some sailings.

Cook Strait ferry passengers were warned to expect rough conditions, with large swells predicted for some sailings. Photo: SUPPLIED/ Wellington City Council.

The Remutaka Hill Road north of Wellington, where wind speeds reached 185km/h, has reopened. However, Waka Kotahi is advising drivers to take extra care.

In the South Island, State Highway 6 reopened after being closed by a slip and fallen trees north of Franz Josef.

Nearly 3000 properties were without electricity in the lower North Island by about 5am.

The front brought wind speeds nearing the national record to the lower North Island.

Cape Turnagain on the eastern coast had a gust of 246km/h between 8pm and 9pm on Sunday.

The highest recorded wind speed in Aotearoa was 250km/h at Mt John in Canterbury in April 1970.

MetService forecaster Allister Gorman says gusts in the Wellington region were 130-140 km/h and on the Remutaka Hill reached 185 km/h.

-RNZ.