All eyes are on the approaching high tide in Wellington, as experts warn of powerful waves

The south coast, Wairarapa coast and parts of Wellington Harbour have been under a heavy swell warning for the past 24 hours.

Waves peaked at 6.5 metres just after high tide at nine last night.

Civil Defence controller Derek Baxter says the risk profile for high tide at 9.30 this morning is actually worse, due to the wave energy.

Breaker Bay Road remains closed until a safety review at 10am.

The local state of emergency also remains in place.

Meanwhile, it's been confirmed 20 households refused to leave Breaker Bay last night, despite being told to do so.

People from 141 houses did evacuate - five families were put up in a hotel by the Council while others stayed with family and friends.