A wild day on the Cook Strait—ferry passengers, buckled cars, and high seas! Find out what happened when the Kaitaki sailing took a dramatic turn!
In a case that locals will be talking about for a long time, an Interislander ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton turned perilous early this morning. Passengers aboard the Kaitaki experienced what can only be described as a ‘significant roll’ on their journey. Reports indicate that several vehicles inside the ferry sustained damage, and one passenger was injured during the wild ride across the turbulent Cook Strait. Strong gusts and unyielding swells contributed to the dramatic conditions that left many gripping onto their seats—and steering wheels—for dear life.
Weather experts have noted that these recent incidents may be attributed to a lingering low-pressure system dominating New Zealand’s central regions. The subsequent strong winds and high swells have not only impacted ferry operations but also led to the cancellation of multiple Interislander crossings. So, if you were thinking about planning a road trip across the strait, you might want to check the conditions first—unless you fancy a spontaneous rollercoaster ride!
In addition to the ferry troubles, passersby in Auckland were met with orange skies, thanks to smoke billowing from a large fire on the Hibiscus Coast, creating quite the spectacle. With cars piled up and folks taking it all in, it was a day when New Zealand's weather brought both excitement and chaos! Talk about a two-for-one deal in the adventure department—ferries and fires all in a day's work.
On a lighter note, did you know that the Interislander ferry service is one of New Zealand's most scenic journeys? It was launched in 1969 and provides breathtaking views that showcase the country’s stunning landscapes. Eventually, even amidst the chaotic weather, many passengers still expressed their love for the beautiful ride amid the occasional rocking and rolling.
Weathering storms is no stranger to Kiwis, with New Zealand being home to diverse and often extreme weather patterns. On average, Wellington experiences about 14 days a year with winds over 40 knots, meaning that a bit of turbulence on the Cook Strait is just another day at the office for this resilient nation!
Several vehicles have been damaged, and one passenger injured on an Interislander ferry crossing that left Wellington this morning bound for Picton.
'Significant roll': Vehicles damaged, one injured on Interislander.
Interislander crossings cancelled, cruise ship diverted, because of high seas ... Two Cook Strait interislander ferry crossings were cancelled today because of ...
Several vehicles have been damaged, and one passenger injured on an Interislander ferry crossing that left Wellington this morning bound for Picton. KiwiRail said the 8.45am Kaitaki sailing out of Wellington experienced a “significant roll while ...
Passenger injured, cars damaged in rough Cook Strait crossing ... An Interisland ferry passenger has been injured and cars have been damaged during a rough Cook ...
Strong winds warning. A lingering low-pressure system is bringing rain or showers to many parts of New Zealand, with thunderstorms, large swells and strong ...
Severe weather conditions are impacting New Zealand, particularly the central regions, with strong winds and heavy rain causing disruptions.