Source: Radio New Zealand
The Bluebridge ferry Connemara. File photo. RNZ / Bill Hickman
A technical fault has halted sailings on a Cook Strait ferry this weekend, disrupting travel between Wellington and Picton.
Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries said a fault was identified on board the Connemara on Saturday morning.
The ferry will remain in port while the issue is investigated and repaired.
As a result, multiple sailings between Wellington and Picton have been cancelled on Saturday and Sunday.
Cancelled sailings include the 8.15am Wellington to Picton service on both days, as well as Picton to Wellington sailings scheduled for 2.30am and 2pm on Saturday, and 2pm on Sunday.
Bluebridge said affected passengers were being contacted by email and text message.
However, the company warned there were limited options available to rebook passengers on alternative sailings.
Standby lists will be available at both ports for affected customers hoping to travel on later sailings.
Customers could change their booking online or contact Bluebridge’s customer service team, although the company said its call centre was experiencing very high call volumes.
Sailings on the Connemara were also cancelled earlier this month due to a separate technical fault.
Sign up for Ngā Pitopito Kōrero, a daily newsletter curated by our editors and delivered straight to your inbox every weekday.
– Published by EveningReport.nz and AsiaPacificReport.nz, see: MIL OSI in partnership with Radio New Zealand
