Cook Strait ferries resume service

Hundreds of passengers delayed after Cook Strait ferry crossings were cancelled because of wild weather yesterday have been able to travel today.

About 700 people were stranded on either side of the strait yesterday as high winds and heavy seas prevented Interislander and Bluebridge sailings.

Both companies began crossings again today, and all delayed passengers were able to rebook.

Some of those delayed yesterday had chosen to wait an extra day for calmer conditions, Bluebridge spokeswoman Wendy Pannett said.

A warning for severe southerly gales in Wellington and the Wairarapa was lifted today, as had a heavy rain warning for the Kaikoura and Canterbury ranges, and snow warnings for the central North Island.

However, severe weather warnings for heavy rain remained in place for parts of the North Island.

Heavy rain already affecting much of Wairarapa and Hawke's Bay was expected to spread to Gisborne this afternoon, with 100-150mm expected to fall in the ranges of Gisborne and Hawke's Bay, the MetService said.

Rain was expected to continue to fall heavily in the Tararua Ranges and eastern hill country of Wairarapa throughout the day, with further moderate falls expected in the area tomorrow.

- NZPA