The entrance to the harbour can be dangerous, especially since Cook Strait to the south is notoriously rough.

Cook Strait attracted European settlers in the early 19th century.

The waters of Cook Strait are dominated by strong tidal flows.

There are numerous computer models of the tidal flow through Cook Strait.

Cook Strait is an important habitat for many cetacean species.

The submarine cables across Cook Strait are 40 km long.

Its eastern end meets Cook Strait close to the strait's narrowest point.

The exception is at Cook Strait where the tidal currents periodically link high to low water.

Cook Strait, however, is infamous for its strong currents and rough waters, especially when the wind is from the south or north.

The number of guntheri, limited to a tiny island in Cook Strait, has fallen to 300, the report says.