Strong winds have caused problems for flights coming into the New Zealand cities of Wellington and Blenheim.

Air New Zealand spokeswoman Brigitte Ransom said a flight from Gisborne to Wellington had to stop at Palmerston North due to gale-force winds in the capital.

The diversion caused a scheduled Wellington to Palmerston North flight to be cancelled, Ms Ransom said.

Two return flights between Blenheim and Wellington and one return flight between Blenheim and Auckland were also cancelled due to a big blow in the Marlborough town, while one flight from Auckland to Blenheim was diverted to Nelson.

There were also reports of a Jetstar flight from Auckland to Wellington being forced back to Auckland because of the gales.