Cook Strait ferries cancelled due to massive swells

Five metre swells have forced both Interislander and Bluebridge to cancel their sailings, while debris has washed up on Wellington’s South Coast.

MetService has put Wellington from Cape Terawhiti to Turakirae Head under a heavy swell warning, with waves rising to 5 metres early on Wednesday morning.

Interislander announced it had cancelled the 6.15 and 8.45am Aratere and Kaiarahi Wednesday morning sailings, which meant the 11am and 2.15pm sailings from Picton were also cancelled.

It warned it would not be able to move customers to other sailings, with later trips also likely to be cancelled.

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“Unfortunately we are fully booked and we are unable to move you to other sailings. You will receive a full refund. Please do not come to the terminals. We are not offering standbys. At this stage it is likely that later sailings will also be cancelled but we will confirm early afternoon,” its website read.

Meanwhile, Bluebridge ferries have cancelled six sailings due to the large swells, in both directions.

Bluebridge cancelled bookings

• Wellington to Picton – 2am, 8.15am, 1.30pm.
• Picton to Wellington – 2.30am. 7.45am, 2pm.

It also warned further cancellations could be on the cards later on in the day.

“Sailings are likely to resume on Wednesday evening, but please be aware that further cancellations may occur if the weather remains severe longer than forecast. If so, all customers will be notified at the earliest possible opportunity,” its website read.

Bluebridge warned its customers it may not be able to rebook sailings for several weeks.

The Wairarapa from Turakirae Head to Mataikona is also under a heavy swell warning, with waves expected to reach 6.5m near Palliser Bay

Eastbourne residents warned of king tide danger

The Hutt City Council is recommending Eastbourne residents stay home or delay travel on Wednesday morning due to waves spilling onto Marine Drive.

The council said its contractors had been working since 4am to clear debris washed onto the road.

With a king tide approaching, it was only expected to get worse with large waves combining with southerly winds.

The council said the two hours from 7am would be the most dangerous for travel on Marine Drive and urged commuters to take extra care.

Meanwhile, debris has been washed across the road at Ōwhiro Bay on Wellington’s south coast.

MetService warned that minor wave spill could also affect the train tracks and southbound lane of State Highway 2.