Which strait separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand?

Cook Strait separates New Zealand’s North Island from its South Island.

The strait connects the Tasman Sea in the west with the South Pacific Ocean in the east. Its shores are about 22 kilometres apart at the narrowest point, although strong currents, rough weather and deep water can make the crossing challenging.

The passage is named after James Cook, who sailed through it in 1770 during his first voyage. Wellington, New Zealand’s capital, stands at the southwestern end of the North Island beside the strait. Ferries commonly travel between Wellington and Picton, in the Marlborough Sounds on the South Island.

Cook Strait is distinct from Foveaux Strait, which separates the South Island from Stewart Island farther south. Both are important New Zealand waterways, but only Cook Strait divides the country’s two principal islands.