Tidal streams can be very strong through the east entrance to Tory Channel, reaching rates of 7 knots as indicated on chart NZ 6154. Tide rips form along the western approaches to the entrance and eddies form around Okukari Bay. Some cross-channel shear is present but is generally weak relative to normal channel flows.
Vessels approaching the entrance from Cook Strait against an east-going tidal stream will find that the stream at the entrance normally sets SSE onto the starboard bow. When abreast of West Head Light the stream sets onto the port bow. Care must be taken to account for the effect of the streams. Without local knowledge, low-powered vessels should not use the entrance at spring tides, whether entering or leaving Tory Channel.
Look up times and direction of tidal streams.
Times used in the tidal stream predictions are in New Zealand Standard Time (NZST1), so a daylight saving allowance of plus one hour must be made between 28 September 2008 and 5 April 2009.
Diagrams representing the direction and rate of tidal streams at hourly intervals during average spring and neap tide conditions:
Instructions for download:
1 NZST used in accordance with International Hydrographic Organisation Technical Resolution G1.2
The tidal stream predictions on this website are not official tide tables as specified in Maritime Rules Part 25 Nautical Charts and Publications (pursuant to Section 36 of the Maritime Transport Act 1994).
LINZ accepts no liability for any direct, indirect, consequential or incidental damages that result from any errors in the information, whether due to LINZ or a third party, or that arise from the use, or misuse, of the information available from this site.
