Cook Strait, Maritime passage between North and South Islands, New Zealand.
Cook Strait extends 22 kilometers at its narrowest point, connecting the Tasman Sea in the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean in the southeast.
Dutch navigator Abel Tasman first entered the strait in 1642, followed by Captain James Cook who identified it as a passage between islands in 1770.
The Māori name Te Moana-o-Raukawa refers to the native woody shrub, reflecting the indigenous connection to this maritime boundary between islands.
Regular ferry services operate between Wellington and Picton, providing three-hour crossings for vehicles, passengers, and cargo throughout the day.
The strait contains underwater communication cables and power lines that maintain essential connections between New Zealand's North and South Islands.
Elevation above the sea: 0 m
GPS coordinates: -41.22944,174.48306
Latest update: May 28, 2025 18:33
Maritime straits are essential passages for navigation and global trade. These natural waterways between lands connect oceans and seas, allowing the movement of merchant ships and international maritime transport. From the English Channel to the Strait of Malacca, these passages are crucial for the maritime economy and commercial exchanges between continents.
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