Guide to the New Zealand Cook Strait

If you’re wondering why the North Island and South Island are separate, that’d be because of the Cook Strait. Given that our Interislander ferries cross the Cook Strait nearly every day, we know this area and history like the back of our hand.

There are so many interesting details and facts about our beloved Cook Strait. Once you learn more about it, you’ll have a greater sense of appreciation for your own Cook Strait Interislander ferry booking. A Holiday in New Zealand isn’t complete without crossing on the ferry from Wellington to Picton. And,  your Cook Strait crossing is just better when you understand the history and know what to look out for. This blog will take a deep dive into this beloved stretch of water and why the Interislander Cook Strait ferry has been running for over 60 years. Here are the main talking points:

• Geographical history of the Cook Strait
• How the Cook Strait was found
• The history of crossing the Cook Strait
• Interesting facts about the Cook Strait
• Cook Strait conditions
• How long it takes to cross the Cook Strait
• What to look out for on your Cook Strait crossing 
• How to book your Cook Strait crossing 

Let’s dive in!

Geographical history of Cook Strait

Travel back in time, about 18,000 years, and the sea levels were about 100 metres lower than they are today. As you’d imagine, land masses around the world looked a lot different back then. And New Zealand was no different. All those years ago, the Cook Strait was deep in the Pacific Ocean as what is known as an underwater harbour, and coastal plains connected the North and South Islands. As sea levels rose thousands of years later, the Cook Strait eventually joined to the Tasman Sea.

How Cook Strait was found

In Māori legend, Kupe, also known as the navigator, first found the Cook Strait. The story goes that Kupe followed a large octopus named Te-Wheke-a-Muturangu in his canoe across the Cook Strait to kill the octopus at Patea. The Māori translation for Cook Strait is Te Moana-o-Raukawa. This means the sea of Raukawa.

Dutch explorer, Abel Tasman, saw the Cook Strait back in 1642. Back then, he thought it was a bight from a distance. As such, he called it Zeehaen’s Bight after one of the ships in his expedition. Jump to 1762, and James Cook then named this stretch of water the Cook Strait, as he was the first European commander to sail it. New Zealand has a rich history, including the Cook Strait. 

The history of crossing Cook Strait

When Kiwis think of the Cook Strait, many associate it with the Interislander Cook Strait ferry. There’s a good reason for this, as the Interislander from Wellington to Picton and return has been the ferry of choice for travellers since we began back in 1875. The history of the Interislander is wrapped into the fabric of the Cook Strait. Back then, the Interislander was called the Union Steamship Company of New Zealand and only had one running ferry. The Interislander now boards three main vessels, each with unique benefits and providing a comfortable and safe passage.

Interesting facts about Cook Strait 

Over the years, we’ve picked up our fair share of interesting facts and tidbits about the Cook Strait. Some bits of information worth mentioning include:

• The Cook Strait has power cables that are laid between the north and south islands carrying power between the two Islands. The entire cable length is 610kms and runs from Waitaki river in Canterbury through to Haywards in Lower Hutt. 40kms of this cable is submersed in the Cook Strait. The cables are capable of transferring a maximum of 1200 megawatts of electricity. The Aratere can produce 18 Megawatts. 
• According to tradition, the first woman to swim the Cook Strait was Hine Poupou. She swam from Kapiti to D’Urville Island with the help of a dolphin.
• In 1962, Barrie Devenport swam the crossing
• The Cook Strait is home to many killer whales, Hector’s dolphins and long-finned pilot whales

Cook Strait conditions

The Cook Strait is sometimes known for its sometimes less than favourable conditions. Back in the day, the Interislander ferry in New Zealand used to be called the vomit rocket. Thankfully, our ferries have come a long way since then. In saying that, the Cook Strait can serve up tricky conditions, so it’s a good idea for travellers to be prepared. When planning your New Zealand itinerary that includes the Cook Strait crossing, consider packing: 

• Woolly jumper
• Sunscreen
• Beanie

As well as that, it can be a good idea to have a few tricks up your sleeve to prevent motion sickness. Fresh air is always good. As well as that, it’s smart to prioritise hydration and eat sensibly. For more advice on the Interislander Cook Strait ferry, read our guide that covers how to make the most of your Cook Strait crossing.