Preparation - Forecasts

The two most convenient sources of 5-day marine forecasts are VHF radio and telephone.

VHF Radio

Maritime NZ Maritime Radio provides forecasts which are announced on Channel 16 at 0533, 0733, 1033, 1333, 1733 and 2133 hours.

MetPhone

dial 0900 999 + map area number.

Other sources of marine forecast include

• local Coastguard stations on VHF;
• Teletext on television;
• on the Internet, www.metservice.co.nz;
• local newspapers, but remember they can be published many hours earlier;
• local radio stations, especially in summer;
• on National Radio at 0500 hours;
• in the Auckland area, Channel 20 or 21 have a continuous broadcast of weather and safety information;
• in Whitianga, Channel 23 has a continuous broadcast of weather and safety information;
• in Wellington and Cook Strait, channel 23 has a continuous broadcast of weather and safety information;
• private coastal radio stations.

For further information or assistance,
please call the MetPhone helpline toll free on:

0800 WEATHER (932 843).

Or write to MetService, PO Box 722, Wellington.
Or visit their website: www.metservice.co.nz