What is Cook Strait?
{{Use dmy dates|date=November 2024}} {{Infobox body of water | name = Cook Strait <!-- Images --> | image = | alt = | caption = | image_bathymetry = | alt_bathymetry = | caption_bathymetry = <!-- Stats --> | location = | coords = {{coord|41|13|46|S|174|28|59|E|region:NZ-MBH_type:waterbody_scale:1000000|display=inline,title}} | type = | inflow = | outflow = | catchment = | basin_countries = [[New Zealand]] | length = | width = | min_width = {{cvt|22|km}} | depth = {{cvt|128|m}} | max-depth = | islands = <!-- Map --> | pushpin_map = New Zealand#Oceania | pushpin_label_position = | pushpin_map_alt = Map of New Zealand with mark showing location of Cook Strait | pushpin_map_caption = Cook Strait separates the [[North Island|North]] and [[South Island|South]] islands of [[New Zealand]]. }} '''Cook Strait''' ({{lang-mi|Te Moana-o-Raukawa}}) is the [[body of water]] between the [[North Island|North]] and [[South Island]]s of [[New Zealand]]. It connects the [[Tasman Sea]] on the west with the South [[Pacific Ocean]] on the east. The [[strait]] is named after [[James Cook]], who was the first European commander to sail through it. Its [[Māori language|Māori]] name is ''Te Moana-o-Raukawa''. The strait has an average depth of {{convert|128|m}}. The strait can be dangerous and unpredictable, because of the [[tide]] patterns and the [[weather]]. The most common way to get across is by [[ferry]]. {{geo-stub}} [[Category:Bodies of water of New Zealand]]