
Wild weather conditions during New Zealand's peak summer holiday period have caused significant disruptions for thousands of passengers traveling on ferries that cross the Cook Strait between the country's main islands. The deep and turbulent waters of the strait, known for huge swells and gales, have led to delays and cancellations in ferry services.
New Zealand, unlike some other countries, has not seriously considered the construction of an undersea tunnel beneath the Cook Strait. The challenging terrain and high costs associated with such a project have deterred serious discussions about a tunnel or bridge crossing the volatile sea that separates the North and South Islands.