10/04/2026
The Deck will be closed tonight through until Cyclone Vainau has passed. For the latest updates Coromandel's CFM is keeping us all informed, stay tuned and stay safe.
Ex TC VAIANU — UPDATE 6 Saturday 11 April 2026, 10:15am
Vaianu has now completed its transition and is classified as an ex-tropical cyclone. The system continues to track south toward New Zealand and will arrive tonight, with effects building progressively through the day.
Northland Region has declared a state of emergency and other areas are considering this and just awaiting further information on the current and likely conditions.
The latest MetService track has the centre passing slightly to the east of the Coromandel Peninsula rather than directly over it, though the Peninsula remains squarely in the zone of most severe impact. The greatest intensity is expected from Sunday morning through to early Sunday afternoon, after which the system will move through quickly. Conditions should ease considerably by Sunday evening.
While five weather models show rainfall totals have come back a little from earlier forecasts, the wind and coastal hazards remain the primary concern for our area. Swells of 6 to 8m are expected on exposed coastlines. With high tide falling on Sunday early afternoon, the combination of large surf, surge, and coastal inundation is the single biggest risk for Peninsula communities. Stay off all beaches. Stay out of the water. This applies from tonight through Sunday.
Wind gusts to 130km/h are forecast under the renewed Red Warning, with power outages expected to be widespread. With the ground already heavily saturated, slips and fallen trees are a certainty rather than a possibility.
Civil Defence Centres open Sunday
TCDC has established four Civil Defence Centres opening Sunday 12 April at 8:30am. If you need a safe place to go, these centres are open until 4:00pm. If you need access before 8:30am, contact details will be posted on each door.
Whitianga: Whitianga Town Hall, 24 Monk Street
Thames: Baptist Church, 310 Mary Street
Whangamata: Whangamata Hall, 328 Port Road
Coromandel: CILT, 150 Pound Street
Full information at tcdc.govt.nz/wheretogo. Stay updated at metservice.com and follow all Civil Defence and NEMA advice.
Current conditions — 10:15am Saturday 11 April
Conditions on the Peninsula this morning are overcast with light rain and gusty winds in exposed areas. The highest gust recorded so far is 53.3km/h at Cooks Beach at 7:54am. These will build through the day as the system approaches, with the Red Warning period beginning at 10:00pm tonight.
MetService Severe Weather Warning
Issued 9:52am Saturday 11 April 2026
Cyclone Vaianu is expected to move southwards across the North Island tomorrow (Sunday), passing west of the Chatham Islands on Monday. The current track of the cyclone can be found at https://www.metservice.com/warnings/tropical-cyclone-activity.
The combination of damaging winds, heavy rain and coastal inundation makes this a multi-hazard, potentially life-threatening event. The locations of the most severe impacts associated with Cyclone Vaianu, such as power outages, falling trees, flooding, slips, road closures and isolated communities are highly dependent on the cyclone's track.
Strong Wind and Heavy Rain Watches and Warnings are in force for much of the North Island and upper South Island, including the Chatham Islands Sunday and early Monday.
People are urged to keep up to date with the latest forecasts, adjust plans as needed and be prepared to act, following all advice of local authorities.
Strong Wind Warning — Red
Area: Coromandel Peninsula and Great Barrier Island
Period: 20 hours from 10:00pm Saturday 11 April to 6:00pm Sunday 12 April
Forecast: Severe gale easterlies changing to severe gale west to northwesterlies Sunday afternoon, with damaging gusts of 130km/h in exposed places. Winds easing from the north during Sunday afternoon.
Impact: Threat to life from flying items and falling trees. Destructive winds will cause widespread damage including powerlines and roofs, with dangerous driving conditions and significant disruption to transport and power supply.
Action: Stay indoors or seek sturdy shelter away from trees. Avoid travel. Be ready for power and communication outages.
Heavy Rain Warning — Orange
Area: Coromandel Peninsula, and Bay of Plenty west of Whakatane including Rotorua
Period: 17 hours from 11:00pm Saturday 11 April to 4:00pm Sunday 12 April
Forecast: Expect 120 to 150mm to accumulate, especially about the ranges. Peak intensities of 25 to 40mm/hr possible in localised downpours Sunday morning and afternoon. Large swells and coastal inundation also likely. Low chance of upgrading to a Red Warning.
Impact: Streams and rivers may rise rapidly. Surface flooding, slips, and difficult driving conditions possible.
Action: Clear drains and gutters. Avoid low-lying areas. Drive cautiously.
