Crossing Cook Strait
The Cook Strait ferry offers a safe and convenient passage across the Cook Strait — between Picton in the South Island and Wellington in the North Island.
There are several daily sailings in both directions, with the trip taking about three and a half hours. Two companies operate ferries across the Cook Strait that easily take vehicles — Bluebridge and Interislander
If you want to see both the North and South Islands by motorhome, you’ll need to take your motorhome hire across on the ferry. Unlike rental cars, you can’t drop off the car in Wellington and pick up another in Picton — or vice versa.
A ferry ride across the Cook Strait is a memorable highlight of any New Zealand motorhome adventure. You’ll enjoy a relaxing experience with stunning scenery, as the journey is often described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.
For everything you need to know about this voyage, read our article about travelling on the New Zealand ferry with a motorhome.
Remember that you'll often save money if you decide to pick up your motorhome rental in the South Island and drop it off in the North.
Onboard the Bluebridge ferries
The Bluebridge ferries offer lounge bars, cafes, private cabins, a buffet, free onboard Wifi, family areas and a movie lounge. Workstations and family rooms are also available — plus viewing decks to see the Sounds pass by and to watch birdlife chasing the ferry.
Each Bluebridge ship features the Pohutukawa Lounge — for those aged 16 and over. It offers the most comfortable and relaxing way to cross Cook Strait.
The Pohutukawa Lounge includes:
- All-inclusive food and beverage
- Refined, spacious seating
- Exclusive viewing deck
- Peaceful sanctuary
- Self-service buffet
- Fruit juice, wine and beer.
Onboard the Interislander ferries
The Interislander ferries offer TV lounges, cafés, bars and even playgrounds. There are viewing decks to watch the stunning scenery as it passes and you might even see dolphins and other sea life on the trip.
Ready to reserve tickets for your breathtaking ferry ride across Cook Strait?
Make life easy and let us take care of booking the ferry for you. Wilderness is an agent for both the Bluebridge and Interislander ferries, so you can purchase your ferry tickets through us.
As soon as you let us know your preferred sailing date and time, we'll book the tickets for you. Availability may be affected during the summer months, so it pays to book early to get the date you want.
If your itinerary changes while you’re on the road, your tickets can be changed at no extra cost up to 24 hours before you’re booked to sail — subject to availability when you rebook.
Terms and conditions of Cook Strait ferry travel
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Tickets can be amended free of charge up to 24 hours prior to sailing, subject to availability. Remember that availability is very limited in summer so amendments may not be possible on some dates.
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All amendments and cancellations made 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure are free of charge.
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All cancellations made after the scheduled departure date and time are non-refundable.
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The last check-in is one hour before departure.
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All no-shows are non-refundable.
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Wilderness is not liable for any costs associated with guests missing their ferry sailing or ferry cancellations.
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All amendments are subject to availability.
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Cook Strait ferry schedules are subject to change* so check the Bluebridge live ship location or the Interislander arrivals and departures board for the most up-to-date information.
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Cook Strait ferries reserve the right to cancel scheduled sailings due to weather, staffing, mechanical or other issues.
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Cook Strait ferries reserve the right to inspect any vehicle, baggage or other property.
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Smoking onboard or at Cook Strait ferry terminals is not permitted except in designated outdoor areas.
*See the full Bluebridge terms and conditions or Interislander terms and conditions of travel.
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Crossing Cook Strait
The Cook Strait ferry offers a safe and convenient passage across the Cook Strait — between Picton in the South Island and Wellington in the North Island.
There are several daily sailings in both directions, with the trip taking about three and a half hours. Two companies operate ferries across the Cook Strait that easily take vehicles — Bluebridge and Interislander
If you want to see both the North and South Islands by motorhome, you’ll need to take your motorhome hire across on the ferry. Unlike rental cars, you can’t drop off the car in Wellington and pick up another in Picton — or vice versa.
A ferry ride across the Cook Strait is a memorable highlight of any New Zealand motorhome adventure. You’ll enjoy a relaxing experience with stunning scenery, as the journey is often described as one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world.
For everything you need to know about this voyage, read our article about travelling on the New Zealand ferry with a motorhome.Remember that you'll often save money if you decide to pick up your motorhome rental in the South Island and drop it off in the North.
Onboard the Bluebridge ferries
The Bluebridge ferries offer lounge bars, cafes, private cabins, a buffet, free onboard Wifi, family areas and a movie lounge. Workstations and family rooms are also available — plus viewing decks to see the Sounds pass by and to watch birdlife chasing the ferry.
Each Bluebridge ship features the Pohutukawa Lounge — for those aged 16 and over. It offers the most comfortable and relaxing way to cross Cook Strait.
The Pohutukawa Lounge includes:- All-inclusive food and beverage
- Refined, spacious seating
- Exclusive viewing deck
- Peaceful sanctuary
- Self-service buffet
- Fruit juice, wine and beer.
Onboard the Interislander ferries
The Interislander ferries offer TV lounges, cafés, bars and even playgrounds. There are viewing decks to watch the stunning scenery as it passes and you might even see dolphins and other sea life on the trip.
