Large waves are seen off Wellington's southern coast in New Zealand, June 30, 2021. An Antarctic blast swept through New Zealand from Tuesday, whipping up waves as high as 6 meters near its capital city's southern coast. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

 
New Zealand's Wellington has been lifted from a state of emergency after big waves as high as six meters hit the capital's coast on Wednesday.

An Antarctic blast swept through all New Zealand from Tuesday, with freezing weather an snow warnings for most part of the South Island and significant swells to Wellington's southern coast.

Residents along the capital's coastline have been asked to evacuate from the surging water as waves reached up to six meters in height. All Cook Strait ferry services between the North and South Islands have been cancelled.

Wellington Mayor Andy Foster declared a local state of emergency from Tuesday afternoon as swells at high tide could present a significant risk to life and property.