Cook Strait ferry cancellations: Bad weather cans more sailings as holiday-makers return home for work

• Interislander has cancelled two sailings today because of safety concerns due to on-going large swells and southerly winds.
• Sailings on Bluebridge expected to go ahead but company warned they could be ‘uncomfortable and longer than normal’.
• Rough weather is expected until Tuesday.

Big swells in Cook Strait have caused the cancellation of at least two ferry sailings, creating disruptions for some people returning to work.

Interislander cancelled the Aratere crossing from Wellington due at 4pm today and the return trip from Picton at 8.50pm.

MetService expected southerly 35-knot winds, easing to 25 knots in the evening with very rough seas and a southerly swell rising to 4m.

Both cancelled sailings coincided with the worst of the weather.

The Interislander ferry Aratere approaching the entrance to Wellington Harbour on a stormy day. Photo / Mark Mitchell

A spokesperson for Interislander said all affected passengers had been moved to other sailing times.

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries were not affected by cancellations but a post on its website warned “sailings during this period could be uncomfortable and longer than normal”. There could also be delays to services.

Passengers would be advised by text and email of any disruptions.

On January 4 passengers said they were stranded after both Interislander and Bluebridge were forced to cancel all ferry crossings due to strong winds and large swells.

Six Cook Strait crossings have been cancelled, with a further seventh running as freight-only.

Bluebridge apologised for any possible disruptions during the holiday season.

“Sea conditions in the Cook Strait are expected to deteriorate from Sunday, January 12 until Tuesday, January 14,” it said.

“We are monitoring the forecast closely and will update this alert, and advise customers directly via text and email, if sailings are impacted during this time.

The Interislander Cook Strait ferry Kaiarahi passing the outgoing Bluebridge ferry Strait Feronia while arriving in Wellington Harbour on a much calmer day than what is expected this week. Photo / Mark Mitchell

“Our top priority is ensuring everyone’s safety while minimising the impact on our customers.”

A post on the Interislander website also said safety was a priority and was the cause of any last-minute cancellations or delays.

“Cook Strait is notorious for being one of the most changeable stretches of water in the world,” the Interislander website said.

“It can change from calm or light swell to rough in a matter of hours.”

Interislander passengers affected or concerned with seasickness were urged to take precautions and sit towards the rear of the ship rather than the bow which experienced more movement.

Staff also offered other tips, such as taking seasickness pills at the start of the sailing, eating before boarding, and sipping on ginger ale.

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