Homes have been evacuated tonight in Christchurch because of landslides after torrential rain sparked widespread flooding.

And a rare red wind warning in Wellington has been downgraded tonight, but residents remain on alert for high tide amid fears of coastal inundation.

Some residents in the capital have been urged to self-evacuate as monster waves pound the city’s south coast.

Severe winds of up to 150km/h have smashed Wellington today, felling trees, lifting roofs, closing roads and sparking more than 100 emergency callouts.

With high tide expected about 8pm increasing the risk of coastal inundation, Wellington City Council said some residents are advised to leave their homes and seek safety.