Interislander sailings cancelled by severe weather

File photo / NZPA

Interislander sailings have been cancelled as a result of the severe weather expected to hit this weekend.

Scheduled sailings after the 6.25pm sailing from Wellington to Picton this evening won't go ahead.

Acting general manager Ross Allen said if the weather allows, they hope to resume sailings on Sunday morning.

He said the safety of passengers is their first priority, and with the Metservice and Civil Defence both issuing warnings about the weather, it's simply too dangerous to sail.

Mr Allen has apologised to affected customers.

Meanwhile, organisers have also made the decision to postpone Ironman New Zealand by 24 hours.

The event was due to take place in Taupo tomorrow morning, but due to the severe weather forecast for the region it will now be held on Sunday.

It will also now be a half Ironman.

Athletes have reacted to the news with a round of applause.