A significant southerly weather system is affecting the Cook Strait corridor from Thursday 25 June through Saturday 27 June 2026. MetService has issued an orange-level strong wind warning for Wellington and the Marlborough Sounds, forecasting severe gale southerlies gusting up to 120km/h in exposed places. The warning is in effect from Thursday night through Friday evening.
In response, Cook Strait interisland ferry services have cancelled multiple sailings across three days. Customers with freight moving across the strait during this period should expect delays.
Thursday 25 June
Wellington to Picton: 8:15am, 1:30pm, 8:30pm
Picton to Wellington: 2:00pm, 7:15pm
Friday 26 June
Wellington to Picton: 2:00am, 8:15am, 1:30pm, 8:30pm
Picton to Wellington: 2:30am, 7:45am, 2:00pm, 7:15pm
Saturday 27 June
Picton to Wellington: 2:30am
All interisland freight movements should be expected to experience delays during this period. Once conditions ease and sailings resume, backlogs are likely as services catch up on displaced cargo.
If you have time-sensitive shipments due to cross Cook Strait between 25–27 June, contact your KLN representative as soon as possible to discuss options.
Our team is actively monitoring the situation and working to minimise disruption to your supply chain. We will provide further updates as the situation develops.