Trees fell and roofs lifted in the capital as severe gales tore through.
More than 400 households were without power for some hours but electricity has now been restored to most homes.
Vital commuter services were affected as trolley buses were taken off the road and Interislander ferry crossings were delayed. Many flights were delayed.
Police advised this afternoon that the Lewis Pass and SH65 were open to one lane only, establishing access from Picton to Christchurch via the alternate South Island state highway route.
SH7 from Reefton to Greymouth and SH6 from Westport to Greymouth were closed at 3pm bit it was hoped they would reopen later today.
However, SH73 from Otira to Jacksons, which is closed due to a significant slip, will not open at all today.
NZTA regional performance manager Mark Owen earlier told Newstalk ZB getting SH7 in the Lewis Pass - now the main transport link between Picton and Christchurch since November's big earthquake - open was a priority.
"So it's pretty difficult getting north and south on the top of the South Island, due to the impacts of this weather event. The main thing is with SH1 closed north of Kaikoura we know the inland Lewis Pass-Murchison route is critical particularly for freight and for people getting to the ... [interisland] ferry.
"So that's where our focus will be, trying to get that Lewis Pass open. It just depends on the nature of the slips and the amount of flooding and debris we have to get rid of.''
The gusts follow severe overnight gales throughout central New Zealand.
A Fire Service spokesman said crews had been called to clear roads in South Wairarapa and Johnsonville after trees blocked lanes.
In Wellington properties needed to have loose tiles and sheets of iron secured by firefighters.
A Korean church in Brooklyn had a tree crash on its roof.
Trolley buses have been taken off the road this morning due to the gale force winds and rush hour commuters are being told to expect disruptions.
Test trains have been sent out across the rail network and trains were not affected by the strong winds and rain at this stage.
Waves were crashing over the road on the main route to the airport.
The New Zealand Transport Authority issued a warning to motorists about the wind danger if travelling on the Desert Rd today.
