Cook Strait - Transport

Transport

See also: Cook Strait Ferry, Bluebridge, Interislander, Transport in New Zealand#Ferry services, and Marlborough Sounds#Ferries and marine farms

Regular ferry services run between Picton in the Sounds and Wellington. Although Cook Strait is only 24 kilometres wide at its narrowest point, the ferry journey covers 70 kilometres. The strait often experiences rough water and heavy swells from strong winds, especially from the south. New Zealand's position directly athwart the roaring forties means that the strait funnels westerly winds and deflects them into northerlies. As a result, Cook Strait is regarded as one of the most dangerous and unpredictable waters in the world. On 10 April 1968, the Wahine disaster occurred when the TEV Wahine, an inter-island ferry of the Union Company, foundered at the entrance to Wellington Harbour and capsized. Of the 610 passengers and 123 crew on board, 53 people died.

Air lines which operate or have operated flights across Cook Strait include Straits Air Freight Express, Air2there, CityJet and Sounds Air.