New Zealand - Cook Strait Service Disruption Update – Connemara Sailings Cancelled

We have been advised of a technical fault affecting the Bluebridge Connemara Ferry, resulting in the cancellation of several scheduled Cook Strait sailings while the vessel undergoes the necessary regulatory and repair process. Bluebridge’s service alert updated on Monday 23 March 2026 lists the following cancelled sailings: 

Affected sailings

Monday 23 March 2026

• 8:15am – Wellington to Picton
• 2:00pm – Picton to Wellington
• 8:30pm – Wellington to Picton

Tuesday 24 March 2026

• 2:30am – Picton to Wellington

As a result, some inter-island delays are expected across our network. We recommend allowing for possible disruption to time-sensitive freight moving between the North and South Islands while recovery measures are put in place. This follows a broader period of Cook Strait ferry disruption that has also affected freight flows more generally in recent weeks.

We appreciate your understanding and will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.