A tropical low is forecast to move towards New Zealand, bringing heavy rain, strong winds and hazardous sea conditions.

According to an advisory from the Tauranga port duty pilot, the system is expected to generate easterly winds reaching 35 knots, with gusts up to 45 knots.

The extreme weather is likely to bring high winds and swell from approximately noon on Wednesday, 21 January, through to Thursday evening, 22 January.

"The swell in particular is likely to exceed the pilots’ safe operating limits, which may restrict vessel movements," says the port.

Forecasts also expect heavy rain will continue on Thursday for Northland, Auckland, Nelson and Tasman, which might cause similar interruptions at Auckland Port.

For the latest port and vessel statuses or situation updates, please refer to the seaexplorer alert map.