At least one passenger was killed and more than 40 injured when a luxury cruise ship was swamped by mountainous seas as sub-tropical storm hit New Zealand.

Metservice forecast that the heavy storm will hit the North Island's western and north parts as residents were asked to evacuate their homes.

Highways and railroads were closed Thursday night.

The storm is expected to unleash its strength in the region until Friday in eastern Otago and south Canterbury.

However, the eight-day Pacific Cruise with more than 2,000 passengers and crew, was delayed by heavy rain and expected to reach Auckland on Friday, a spokesman said.

The spokesman said injured passengers were treated by on-call nurses and doctors on the ship.