Which one of the following separates North and South Islands of New Zealand?

Cook Strait is the body of water that separates the North and South Islands of New Zealand [t2][t5]. It connects the Tasman Sea in the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean in the southeast [t4][t7]. At its narrowest point, the strait is approximately 22 kilometers (14 miles) wide and is known for its strong currents and unpredictable weather [t2][t7]. Historically, it was confirmed as a strait by James Cook in 1769, though Māori legends attribute its discovery to the navigator Kupe [t7]. Regarding the other options, Foveaux Strait separates the South Island from Stewart Island [t1][t3]. Bass Strait separates mainland Australia from the island of Tasmania [c1][c2]. Torres Strait (referred to as 'Tore Strait' in some texts) is located between Australia and New Guinea [c2]. Therefore, Cook Strait is the correct geographical feature separating the two main islands of New Zealand.

Sources

1. [1] https://files02.sl.nsw.gov.au/fotoweb/pdf/4079/40790650.pdf
2. [2] https://ourarchive.otago.ac.nz/view/pdfCoverPage?instCode=64OTAGO_INST&filePid=13397155650001891&download=true
3. [3] Certificate Physical and Human Geography , GC Leong (Oxford University press 3rd ed.) > Chapter 11: Islands and Coral Reefs > Gontinental islands > p. 97
4. [4] Geography of India ,Majid Husain, (McGrawHill 9th ed.) > Chapter 16: India–Political Aspects > Fig. 16.11 Indian Ocean and Adjacent Countries > p. 65