Both Bluebridge and Interislander cancelled ferry sailings across the Cook Strait on Tuesday. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Several Cook Strait ferries have been cancelled with a strong southerly weather system forecast to bring large swells to Cook Strait on Tuesday.
All Bluebridge sailings for the remainder of the day have been cancelled.
Bluebridge said all customers affected by the cancellations had been advised by email or text.
It said it was monitoring the situation closely and if further sailings were impacted they would advise customers.
Interislander had also cancelled sailings for Tuesday afternoon.
Kaiārahi's 3:30pm sailing from Wellington and its 9:30pm return from Picton and Kaitaki's 2:15pm sailing from Picton and its 8:30pm from Wellington were all cancelled.
"All impacted passengers have been contacted directly and moved to alternative sailings," Interislander said.
"There may be further disruptions to other sailings if the forecast swells don't ease."
Meanwhile, further down the South Island near Queenstown a section of the Lindis Pass between Omarama and Tarras has reopened after snow closed it earlier on Tuesday morning.
Drivers were advised to take extra care along the route.
Road snowfall warnings were in place for a number of areas, including the South Island's alpine passes, and the Desert Road in the central North Island.
Snow was expected through to early Wednesday morning with MetService issuing a warning from 7pm Tuesday until 3am Wednesday.
Snow showers are expected to affect the road above 700 metres with 1-2cm accumulating about the higher parts of the road, and snow flurries may continue in the east through to Wednesday afternoon.
The Transport Agency is also encouraging drivers to take caution on the State Highway 2 Remutaka Hill in Wellington.
MetService issued a road snowfall warning for the route from 11pm Tuesday until 5am Wednesday morning.
It is forecasting cold, showery conditions with snow flurries down to 500m, with a chance of 1cm or less of snow accumulating near the Remutaka Hill summit.
NZTA said drivers should be ready to reduce speed to suit the conditions, increase following distances and avoid sudden braking.
MetService also issued a strong wind watch for Wellington for Tuesday afternoon, with southerly winds forecast to approach severe gale in exposed areas.
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