Cook Strait ferries face cancellations as rough weather batters strait

Weather causes major disruption

Cook Strait ferry services are again feeling the impact of severe winter weather, with operators Bluebridge and Interislander both reporting cancelled sailings due to strong southerly conditions and heavy swells.

Forecasts predict rough seas through Wednesday and into early Thursday, creating unsafe conditions for passenger and freight vessels. Operators have taken the precaution of cancelling services and warning travellers to expect further disruption if conditions persist.

Bluebridge cancellations

Bluebridge announced on Wednesday morning (20 August) that four of its scheduled services had been cancelled:

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• Wellington to Picton, 2:00am and 1:30pm

• Picton to Wellington, 7:45am and 7:15pm

The company said all affected passengers have been notified directly by text and email. “We are monitoring the situation closely and if further sailings are impacted, we will notify you at the earliest opportunity,” Bluebridge stated.

Interislander impacts

While Interislander has yet to confirm Wednesday cancellations, its services were hit hard the day prior. On Tuesday (19 August), large swells forced the cancellation of:

• Kaiārahi: 3:30pm Wellington to Picton, and 9:30pm return

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• Kaitaki: 2:15pm Picton to Wellington, and 8:30pm return

The company moved impacted passengers to alternative sailings and warned that further cancellations may follow if the swells persist. In a customer advisory, Interislander also reminded travellers prone to seasickness to sit near the stern of the vessel, where motion is less severe.

Advice for travellers

Both operators are advising passengers to keep a close eye on service alerts, check emails and text messages for updates, and consider rescheduling if their travel is flexible. Interislander passengers can contact the call centre on 0800 802 802, while Bluebridge is providing updates directly to booked customers.

Cook Strait is one of the most notoriously difficult stretches of water in New Zealand, and winter storms frequently disrupt services. With swells forecast to continue into Thursday morning, travellers should plan for further interruptions.