Choppy waters for brave ferry passengers

A few brave passengers are crossing the Cook Strait today.

Toll New Zealand has reconsidered its earlier cancellation of all services due to bad weather and the Kaitaki is setting sail from Wellington.

Swells are reaching seven metres and passengers spoken to at the terminal are worried about sea sickness, but are still keen to get their travel plans underway. Other ferry services will be reassessed early in the afternoon.

The cold front which is sweeping the country has put smiles on the faces of skifield operators. About 15cm has fallen down to 300m in some parts of the South Island. Mt Hutt Ski Area Manager Dave Wilson says the planned opening date is June 10 and he is very happy with the great start to the winter.

Whakapapa in the North Island also received a dusting yesterday.

- NEWSTALK ZB