A strong wind watch was issued for much of the country on Saturday morning - and predictions of gale-force winds seemed to deliver.
Strong winds lashed the North Island, causing giant waves - some as big as seven metres.
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Boaties and fishers were advised to avoid the water or fishing on rocks in the west, with the dangerous surf nearly wiping out one group of sightseers who dared to walk the rocks at Auckland's Muriwai beach.
As well as the massive waves, the wind at Muriwai Beach was so strong it was difficult to stand.
However not everyone was put off heading to the beach. Out at sea, huge swells made for primo conditions for kitesurfers.
"I live for this, this is my life being out in the storms," one avid sports person told Newshub.
New Zealand's top kitesurfer Mark Jacobs showed how it's done despite the MetService warning of dangerous surf conditions.
And MetService says the wild weather is not over yet. Although conditions will ease in the North Island on Sunday, the South Island will see some showers and strong southwest winds.
Temperatures are expected to dip below zero in parts of the central North Island and South Island overnight so it's a good night to stay indoors.
Newshub.
