Severe southerly conditions have thrown Cook Strait ferry services into disarray, with both Bluebridge and Interislander cancelling sailings as heavy swells and strong winds make the strait dangerous for passenger and freight vessels. Forecasters expect the rough weather to persist through Wednesday and into the early hours of Thursday, and both operators have warned that further disruptions remain possible.
Bluebridge was first to confirm the extent of its Wednesday 20 August cancellations, cutting four services entirely. The Wellington to Picton crossings scheduled for 2:00am and 1:30pm were both pulled, along with the Picton to Wellington departures at 7:45am and 7:15pm. The company contacted affected passengers 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's disruption began a day earlier. On Tuesday 19 August, large swells forced the cancellation of four sailings: the Kaiārahi's 3:30pm Wellington to Picton crossing and its 9:30pm return, as well as the Kaitaki's 2:15pm Picton to Wellington departure and its 8:30pm return. Passengers caught by those cancellations were moved onto alternative sailings where possible. As of Wednesday, Interislander had not yet confirmed whether further services would be cut, though the operator cautioned that continuing swells could yet force additional changes.
Interislander also issued a reminder to passengers prone to seasickness, advising them to choose seating near the stern of the vessel, where motion tends to be less severe during rough conditions.
Cook Strait carries a well-earned reputation as one of the most demanding stretches of water in New Zealand, and winter storms regularly test even the large purpose-built ferries working the route. With heavy seas forecast to linger until at least Thursday morning, both operators are urging travellers to stay across service alerts, watch for updates by text and email, and consider rescheduling if their plans allow any flexibility. Interislander passengers needing assistance can reach the call centre on 0800 802 802, while Bluebridge is keeping booked customers informed through direct notifications.
