Strong winds have moved north from the South Island and crossed Cook Strait

Canterbury warnings have been lifted, and all those near Timaru who lost electricity in last night's galeforce winds now have their power back on.

Heavy rain continues to fall for the West Coast and parts of Marlborough, as well as in the Tararua Range.

MetService Meteorologist John Law says it will be windy around Wellington and Wairarapa tonight, but not at the strength Canterbury experienced.

High winds in Wellington earlier knocked out electricity to some 9,000 customers, but most of them have already been reconnected and the rest should have their power back by 10:30 tonight.