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AAP
AAP
National
Ben McKay

Wellington fog causes travel chaos in New Zealand

A thick fog descended on Wellington and all but prevented air travel, with 130 flights cancelled. (John Cowpland/AAP PHOTOS)

Fog in Wellington has produced chaos in New Zealand, stranding thousands of travellers either in the capital, or trying to get to it.

A thick, low cloud descended on Wellington and all but prevented air travel on Tuesday, with 130 flights cancelled and other diverted.

Wellington Airport ordered pizza and provided bedding for about 35 people who had nowhere to go on Tuesday night, while the majority found hotel rooms or spare beds.

The outbreak of blue skies on Wednesday was welcome but Wellington Airport spokesman Phil Rennie said "There will be flow on disruptions from yesterday with some cancellations still in effect, as some aircraft couldn't arrive to be ready for flights today".

"Airlines are working very hard to clear the backlog but this may take several days," he said.

"(Wednesday) was very busy with a lot of people stranded ... a very frustrating day but in general people were patient and understanding."

Air New Zealand - which accounts for more than 90 per cent of air travellers in NZ - cancelled 110 flights and warned "availability over the coming days to and from Wellington is incredibly limited".

"We have been actively rebooking customers to travel on the next available services, but it may take three to four days to be able to reaccommodate passengers," executive David Morgan said, thanking customers "for their patience and understanding".

Flight prices into the capital have surged after the fog disruption: the cheapest Air New Zealand flight from or to Auckland and Wellington before Saturday is $NZ349 ($A322) without extras.

Other routes have also been impacted, with low flight availability and greatly increased costs.

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