Tokoroa's Kinleith Mill closure is to be decided by the end of the month and politicians and family gather for the final day of Dame Tariana Turia’s tangihanga. Video / NZ Herald
Ferry passengers will face further disruptions this week after strong winds and huge swells canned sailings over the weekend.
Two Interislander sailings between Picton and Wellington were cancelled on Sunday, while two further sailings were delayed by hours on Sunday night because of the swells.
One of those was the Kaitaki, which was due to leave Wellington at 8.30pm with more than 800 passengers on board.
Cook Strait ferry passengers face further disruptions after strong winds and swells cancelled weekend sailings. Photo / Mark Mitchell
In an email sent to passengers just after 10pm, seen by RNZ, Interislander apologised for the inconvenience of the delay.
“We will be commencing loading asap but will not be leaving Wellington until the Master is comfortable to depart due to rougher sea conditions than forecast - this could be at least 4 HRS,” the email said.
“If you wish to not travel tonight please advise staff but keep in mind that our ships are fully booked for the next week.”
The Kaitaki finally set off about 1am today , according to ship tracking website MarineTraffic.com.
The Kaiarāhi, which had 500 passengers on board, was also delayed for hours before setting off from Picton just before midnight.
Around the same time, Interislander posted an update on its website saying all sailings were being paused due to the weather.
“Swells in Cook Strait are currently higher than forecast, leading to a pause in all sailings until conditions ease.
“This will disrupt schedules for the next few days and we will be in contact with all passengers once we have a clearer picture.”
A further update has been posted this morning, confirming two more sailings have been cancelled today.
They are the 6.15am Aratere sailing from Wellington and the 11am return from Picton.
“Large swells in Cook Strait have delayed some sailings. This will disrupt our schedules for the next few days and passengers are being informed directly of their new departure times.”
The update no longer says all sailings are paused.
The Interislander website recommended passengers wary of seasickness sit towards the rear of the ship.
“Don’t sail on an empty stomach, and consider sipping ginger ale. You may also want to try seasickness pills from your pharmacist. You can also buy these onboard, but they work best if taken at the start of your sailing,” a spokesperson said.
