Ferry services across the Cook Strait are running about an hour and-a-half behind schedule after five metre swells and 30 to 40 knot winds yesterday.

The bad weather cancelled sailings and created a backlog of passengers which has now been cleared, an Interislander spokeswoman said.

She said the weather was still a bit rough but it has moderated.

Interislander customers with queasy stomachs are being offered to swap their tickets to travel in calmer weather.

- NZ HERALD STAFF