Tranz Rail Cuts Back Fast Ferry Sailings

New Zealand rail and inter-island ferry operator Tranz Rail Holdings has cut back the number of fast ferry sailings from three a day to two for the upcoming summer season because of looming speed restrictions in the Marlborough Sounds. The speed restriction, due to be submitted for confirmation on Sept. 7, would mean the Lynx fast ferry would take 135 minutes to cross between Wellington and Picton, compared with 105 minutes previously.

Residents in the Marlborough Sounds have complained that wakes from fast ferries in the area were a danger to people using the foreshore and small boats and were damaging the shoreline.