Heavy seas have led to the cancellation of some ferry services across New Zealand’s Cook Strait. As a southerly front moves through the region, worsening sea conditions have prompted disruptions to scheduled crossings during the most adverse weather.
The Interislander ferry Aratere’s 4:00 p.m. sailing from Wellington and the 8:50 p.m. service from Picton have both been canceled. Passengers affected by these changes have been accommodated on alternative sailings, according to an advisory on the Interislander website.
Bluebridge services remain operational without cancellations. However, the operator has advised that sailings through to Tuesday may be less comfortable due to rough conditions, with longer travel times and potential delays expected.
Although MetService has not issued heavy swell watches or warnings for the coasts of Wellington, Wairarapa, Kapiti, or Porirua, conditions in the Cook Strait remain challenging. Forecasts indicate southerly winds of up to 35 knots, easing to 25 knots by evening. Seas are expected to be very rough, with swells rising to 4 meters.