New Zealand Cyclone Tracker
The Storm Tracks layer shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks.
RainViewer shows storm tracks on one map for New Zealand and the Tasman Sea.
The Storm Tracks layer shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks.
Current cyclones near New Zealand
New Zealand has the North Island and the South Island in the southwest Pacific Ocean, with the Tasman Sea to the west. Auckland and Northland lie in the north of the North Island. This list names each active tropical storm or cyclone near New Zealand, with its category and status, and each storm links to its own tracker page.
No active tropical storm or cyclone is listed near New Zealand.
Last updated:
How RainViewer shows storms
MetService publishes the official weather warnings and storm information for New Zealand. The Storm Tracks layer on the RainViewer map shows current position, past path, forecast path, and the cone of probable tracks. RainViewer does not replace official warnings.
See the full storm path
Tap any point on the path to see wind speed, category, and direction at that point.
Read the category in one place
Open any storm to see its category and intensity.
Get a notification when a storm approaches
RainViewer sends a Tropical Storm Alert when a storm approaches your area.
See New Zealand storms in RainViewer
When is cyclone season in New Zealand?
Cyclone season in New Zealand runs from November 1 to April 30, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service and MetService.
A cyclone starts as a cluster of thunderstorms over warm ocean water. Warm, moist air rises from the sea surface. The air pressure near the surface drops, and more air flows in. The rotation of the Earth makes this air spin, clockwise in the Southern Hemisphere. Weak winds high in the atmosphere let the system organize. A system with a closed circulation is called a tropical depression. It becomes a tropical storm when its winds strengthen, and the Fiji Meteorological Service gives it a name. It becomes a cyclone when its winds reach cyclone strength.
Sea temperatures around New Zealand are highest in the southern summer. This is the time of the most storm activity. Cyclones that affect New Zealand often form over the warm water north of the country, near Fiji and Tonga. Cyclones rarely reach New Zealand at full strength. Remnants usually arrive from the north, mostly on the North Island.
Storms in nearby regions
Looking for storms near New Zealand? See the cyclone trackers for Fiji, Tonga, Australia, or open the tracker for all regions.
Cyclone Strength, From Depression To Super Cyclone
Depression (31–49 km/h)
A low-pressure area with organized rain. No name yet.
Deep Depression (50–61 km/h)
Heavy rain over a wide area, rough seas.
Cyclonic Storm (62–88 km/h)
The storm gets a name. Downed branches, flooding in low areas.
Severe Cyclonic Storm (89–117 km/h)
Damage to thatched roofs and power lines, coastal flooding.
Very Severe Cyclonic Storm (118–166 km/h)
Roof damage to buildings, uprooted trees, storm surge on exposed coasts.
Extremely Severe Cyclonic Storm (167–221 km/h)
Serious structural damage, communication and power lines down over a wide area.
Super Cyclonic Storm (222 km/h or higher)
Widespread destruction and major storm surge along the coast.
FAQ
Where can I see current cyclones near New Zealand?
The cyclone tracker map on this RainViewer page shows current storm tracks near New Zealand, and the list under the map names each active storm near New Zealand. When no storm is active, the list says so and links to storms in other regions. Past storms near New Zealand are listed further down the page.
When is cyclone season in New Zealand, and which months are busiest?
Cyclone season in New Zealand runs from November 1 to April 30, according to the Fiji Meteorological Service, the regional warning centre for the South Pacific. The list at the top of this page shows which storms are active now. Cyclones rarely reach New Zealand at full strength. Remnants usually arrive from the north, mostly on the North Island.
Which official source issues cyclone warnings for New Zealand?
MetService publishes the official weather warnings for New Zealand, and the Fiji Meteorological Service publishes forecasts and advisories for every active storm in the South Pacific basin. RainViewer shows storm tracks on a map and does not replace official warnings. The Fiji Meteorological Service is the source for official basin forecasts.
What does the forecast cone show on the New Zealand map?
The forecast cone on the RainViewer map shows the probable track of the center of a storm during the forecast period. The cone does not show how far wind, rain, or storm surge reach from the center, so areas outside the cone can still have storm effects. The cone is part of the Storm Tracks layer, together with the current position, the past path, and the forecast path.
Where can I see rain radar for New Zealand?
RainViewer shows rain radar for New Zealand, and the New Zealand weather radar page lists radar coverage and links to city radar pages. RainViewer updates radar every 5 minutes. Radar shows rain inside a storm. The Storm Tracks layer shows where the storm is moving.
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