Ferries resume services as weather conditions settle

Passenger ferry services are preparing to shift the backlog of travellers in Wellington and Picton after gale force winds and large sea swells in Cook Strait overnight, disrupted the travel plans of thousands of people.

Greater Wellington regional harbourmaster Captain Mike Pryce said the weather in Cook Strait was moderating and the conditions were being tested in the harbour -- which had been closed for the morning.

"It's still pretty lumpy out there, it's still rough and it will be a challenge for vessels," he said.

The conditions were being tested with the departure of a freight ferry at midday and if conditions were fine container ships would be allowed to move again soon, he said.

The stormy conditions which lashed the region last night caused a container ship to divert to Cloudy Bay and the cancellation of scheduled passenger ferry services.

Toll Shipping spokeswoman Sue Foley the Interislander would be sailing at 1pm as the service prepared to shift the more than 2000 people who had been affected by the weather conditions.

Four people -- all adults -- who had been injured during a turbulent crossing last night received only superficial or minor injuries and had not required hospital treatment, she said.

Bluebridge Passenger Ferry spokeswoman Wendy Pannett said their passenger ferry was due to leave Picton at midday, with a full ferry of 370 onboard.

If conditions continued to improve the company hoped to have it scheduled ferry service back on track by 7pm tonight, she said.

- NZPA