Cook Strait, separating the North and South Islands of New Zealand, is said to be one of the most dangerous and unpredictable passages of water in the world. Crossing Cook Strait on the inter-island ferry can certainly be a journey of extremes, from magnificent calm to hair-raising wildness. The Strait has a personality of its own and has earned the respect of those who know the area well.

Passage between two islands

Cook Strait is the passage of water between the two major New Zealand islands, North Island and South island. To the west is the Tasman Sea and to the east, the Pacific Ocean. The shortest distance between the two islands is 23 kilometres, at a point where the tip of the South Island actually lies further north than the most southern point of the North Island. On a good day, each island can be clearly viewed from the other. But, because of its location, not every day is a good one.

Strong currents run through Cook Strait. Because the tides from each side are not in phase with each other, high tide from one ocean meets with low tide from the other. Extreme weather conditions through the strait also affect the tides. For those interested in knowing more of these conditions there is a lot of literature available. People living around Cook Strait and those wishing to cross it know to expect the unusual and unpredictable beauty of the weather and water.

Brief history of Cook Strait

According to Maori legend, the navigator Kupe was the first to discover Cook Strait. He was chasing a giant octopus in his canoe and was led into the waters and consequently into what is now known as Wellington harbour.

The first recorded sighting of New Zealand by a European was when the Dutch navigator, Abel Tasman, reached the shores in 1642. Because of extreme weather conditions he missed the passage of water and on his map showed the two islands as actually being connected. He did however suspect that the rough water he chose not to venture into could disguise a passageway.

The existence of the strait was verified in 1770 by Capt James Cook, after whom Cook Strait is named. During his three journeys to New Zealand, Capt Cook established a base in the Marlborough Sounds at the top of the South Island, and so recorded much valuable information about the land and weather of the Cook Strait region.

Other history of the strait makes colourful reading, including Maori invasion, whaling expeditions, shipwrecks, swim crossings and a dolphin, Pelorus Jack who became protected by New Zealand law.

The Inter-island Ferries

While travellers in a hurry cross from one island to the next by plane, those with more time and those wishing to experience more of New Zealand cross by ferry. This enables holiday makers to take their car. The trip takes approximately three hours, depending on the weather.

On a calm day the views are magnificent and often the ferry can be accompanied by dolphins swimming alongside. On a wild and windy day passengers head indoors and relax by simple experiencing the swell from the safety of the lounges, or enjoying many of the facilities on board.

It’s best to have experienced both types of crossings to truly understand the personality of New Zealand’s central stretch of water, the passage connecting the Pacific Ocean with the Tasman Sea. You either learn to love or learn to hate Cook Strait. For those who love it, Cook Strait holds a peculiar fascination.

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