Definition

1. Proper noun:
   • A narrow strait separating the North Island and South Island in New Zealand: Cook Strait is a body of water that connects the Tasman Sea to the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean to the southeast, serving as the passage between New Zealand's two main islands.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • The ferry crosses Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton.
  • Cook Strait is known for its strong and unpredictable currents.
  • The first European to document Cook Strait was the explorer James Cook in 1770.

Advanced Usage

• "to cross Cook Strait": to travel by boat or ferry across this specific body of water.
  • It can be a rough journey to cross Cook Strait in bad weather.
• "the waters of Cook Strait": referring to the maritime area of the strait itself.
  • The waters of Cook Strait are rich in marine life.

Variants and Related Words

• Strait (n): a narrow passage of water connecting two seas or other large areas of water.
  • The Strait of Gibraltar connects the Atlantic Ocean to the Mediterranean Sea.

Synonyms

• Channel: a length of water wider than a strait, joining two larger areas of water.
• Passage: a narrow way, typically for travel between places, especially over water.

Related Phrases

• Cook Strait ferry: the commercial ferry service that operates across the strait.
  • We booked tickets on the Cook Strait ferry.
• Cook Strait swim: referring to the athletic feat of swimming across the strait.
  • Completing the Cook Strait swim is a significant challenge for any marathon swimmer.

Notes

• Cook Strait is named after Captain James Cook, who explored and charted it. It is a significant geographical and navigational feature of New Zealand.

Noun

1. a narrow strait separating the North Island and South Island in New Zealand