Sea level variability in the weather band (periods 5–20 days) was examined using 19‐month records at two sites off the west coast of New Zealand. These records were considerably longer than those previously available, allowing investigation of the seasonal changes in wind‐forced coastal‐trapped wave activity. The records show no seasonal changes in long‐wave activity and no propagation of energy from the North Island to the South Island shelf. Dynamical modelling of the New Plymouth record re‐affirmed that most of the variability arose through the alongshore wind stress. In contrast, empirical modelling of the Abut Head (South Island) record required the inclusion of long‐wave generation in the Taranaki Bight/Cook Strait region as well as the alongshore wind stress. The largest event in both records was associated with tropical cyclone Bola, but had different characteristics at each site.