High winds and threatening thunderstorms around the country is disrupting air travel as motorists are urged to take care.

Wind gusts of up to 140 km/h are forecast for Wellington, and the capital is already getting a buffeting with flights to Auckland and Dunedin to be cancelled with many others delayed.

Motorists travelling in the central North Island are being warned to take care driving in strong winds.

The New Zealand Transport Agency has issued a warning to trucks and motorcyclists using the Desert Road.

It says a strong wind warning is in place on the central plateau road and all high-sided vehicles and motorcyclists are advised to take care.

A thunderstorm warning is also in place for the upper half of the North Island – which covers Northland to Taranaki and across to the Bay of Plenty.

– Newstalk ZB