Cook's Strait, Western Entrance.

A vessel entering Cook's Strait from S.W. with fair wind, after making land S. of Farewell should run along it, at a distance of about 3 miles, when abreast the cape 3 miles off, course E. by N. ½ N. 15 miles, will be 6 miles N. of Bush End Point. This lighthouse is open structure, shows revolving white light once a minute, except over Bush End Spit: with the lighthouse bearing N.W. ½ N. to W. by N. ¾ N., when it shows red, visible 17 miles. Vessels must not approach with the light red, nearer than 5 miles. The course now should be S.E. ½ E. 10 miles when Separation Point ought to bear S.S.W.; or until the white stripe is made out and brought to bear S. ¾ W., when course may be steered for either Massacre or Blind Bay. If bound through Cook's Strait or for Port Nicholson, pass a convenient distance N. of Stephen Island, which is high and may be seen in clear weather from Bush End Spit. When abreast Stephen Island steer E.S.E. direct for Brothers Rock lighthouse, which shows a flashing white light every 10", by doing so Cook's Rock and strong tides in its vicinity, are avoided. When Brothers and Wellington Head are in one, a course for Terawiti might be shaped, passing within 1 mile, taking care not to shut Karori Rock in with Terawiti until the light on Pencarrow Head is made out, will clear Tom's Rock, a course either through the Straits or for Wellington might be steered.

Narrowest part of Cook's Strait is between Terawiti and Wellington Head, latter bears from former W. ¾ N. 12 miles. H.W.F. & C. centre of strait 8.0. Flood or N. stream begins at 4.0, and runs till 10.0 strength 1 to 4 knots; heavy tide rippling in the strait, and uneven bottom from 80 to 120 fathoms, sand. Motupipi 9.50; Fossel Head 8.45, rise 10 to 14 feet; Cape Farewell 9.0, W. flood begins at 6.8, ebb at 12.0; Cape Palliser 6.0; Cape Campbell 6.o. Running for Port Nicholson from N.W. with fair wind, pass Terawiti 2 or 3 miles and same distance off shore until between Karori Rock and Sinclair Head. Keep Pencarrow lights well open, until Barret Reef opens out. The course from a berth off Terawiti is S.E. by E. ¼ E. for 7 miles to abreast Sinclair Head, then N.E. by E. same distance to Barret Reef. During daylight all dangers can be seen except Tom's Rock. Between Terawiti and Sinclair Head tide during springs runs 5 knots; great attention is required in steering when near detached rocks; 6 and 7 page 66 miles S.W. of Sinclair Head overfalls and heavy tide ripplings during springs, very dangerous to small craft. From Terawiti coast trends N.N.E. towards Porirua 15 miles, soundings 25 to 35 fathoms. Strong gales and changes of wind from N.W. to S.E. are frequent and sudden in Cook's Strait. S.E. gales blow with great violence during May, June and July, indicated by a falling barometer; they come on sudden and last three or four days. N.W. gales are common in spring and summer and exceedingly violent; barometer rises.