Hawkes Bay’s Te Matau a Maui sailing waka was forced to anchor after hitting “horrendous” seas near Wellington Harbour last night.

And it is still in trouble this morning after the anchor dragged overnight, leaving the waka around six metres from the beach.

Police were working to attach another line to secure the boat to prevent it from running aground.

The boat’s crew were making their way ashore this morning, with police due to re-evaluate the situation early this afternoon – ahead of high tides.

The drama happened just two days after the waka sailed from its base in Napier, before hitting wind gusts up to 81km/h in Island Bay.

A spokesman on board the 22m waka said there was no damage to the waka and no one was injured
UPDATE
IT was perfect weather conditions today for the ceremonial Te Matau waka arriving in Wellington harbour.

Te Matau a Maui has berthed alongside Te Papa, having spent the past two days sheltering at Island Bay from wild weather.

Skipper Frank Kawe says it was a nice casual cruise into the harbour, ahead of tomorrow’s Matariki celebrations.

“Very little wind, nice and sunny, just a nice time to relax and enjoy the scenery”