Im glad you asked! 0800 844 844Any vehicle over 3.5T Please book through Freight Email: freight@straitnz.co.nz. Interislander Ferry - Kairarahi Take advantage of Bluebridge's overnight sailing(opens in new window) with their private sleeper cabins when sailing from Wellington to Picton, this is an economical and comfortable way to travel and is suitable for families. The car prices are for a regular sized car these will get more expensive the larger the vehicle you have (you can make that selection during the booking process). Wendekreisen will not accept liability for any missed sailings due to changes in the timetable. He has lived, worked and travelled across 16 different countries before calling New Zealand home. Covers, but is not limited to the following vehicle types: sedan, coupe, sports car/convertible, people-mover, station wagon, SUV or an off-roader, limousine, classic car, 4x4. You can purchase a ticket for a vehicle on both Interislander ferry and Bluebridge ferry. You can take the ferry even if you do not have a car. On top of your ferry ticket, you can also book a private if you want some private time away from other passengers. Zealand's original Cook Strait ferry. Check out The Guide to Domestic Flights in New Zealand. Comfortable seating, lounges with Wi-Fi and dining options are available onboard, so are private cabins. As mentioned before, you not only can board the ferry as a passenger but you can also board with your vehicle. Both Interislander (on Direct Ferries, Viator, Tripadvisor and Klook) and Bluebridge (on Direct Ferries and Klook) regularly sell out of tickets, especially in summer, so the sooner you book the better. Wellington to Picton ferry tickets on Klook.com. It also means you have to pay extra, so see the price summaries in the New Zealand Ferry Price Guide below. Generally, it takes 3 hours to 3h30mins for the ferry ride from Wellington to the South Island and vice versa but this is subject to change depending on the weather. When it comes to booking a ferry from Wellington to Picton or a ferry from Picton to Wellington, youve got to plan. Search all rental cars in your next destination. Hay and/or straw is considered a dangerous good and cannot travel with this booking. Interislander has 6 ferries leaving every day, and here below are the sailing times: Needless to say, these sell out quickly during the peak season, so make sure to book as soon as possible. So, if youre planning a vacation to New Zealand and want to explore the entire country then you will need to know more about the ferry to the South Island. Zealand from elsewhere in the world, you can reserve your space on an Hi Colin - I would recommend purchasing a ticket ahead of time to reserve your spot. You are subject to luggage restrictions as a foot passenger two suitcases of a maximum weight of 32kg (70.5 lbs) each and a carry-on bag. destinations. Also what exactly do you mean that it would be a good day trip? However, some car rental agencies do not allow renters to take the ferry, such as Europcar, Hertz, Thrifty, and Ace rentals. The Interislander's three ferries - Kaiarahi, Aratere and Kaitaki, offer a convenient and regular daily rail, commercial freight and, passenger ferry service crossing Cook Strait from Wellington in the North Island to Picton in the South Island. Swap New Zealand's South Island for the North Island, crossing Cook Strait to the capital city. Now to get from one to the next there are daily 3.5 hour ferries that run between the two. Then you have to pick the ferry from Wellington to Picton (or from Picton to Wellington). Popular Ferry Operators for Wellington - Picton Interislander 3 Sailings Daily 3 hr 30 min Bluebridge 4 Sailings Daily 3 hr 30 min Wellington - Picton is one of our busiest routes - sailings regularly sell out at busy periods Tip: Don't wait until it's too late! Make sure to check it out! This blog may contain affiliate links. 2 Week South Island New Zealand Itinerary, Driving license, Student Card, or ID card (for locals), Some snacks and drinks for the trip as the food options on the ferry from Wellington to South Island are pretty limited, Ocean View Eatery with comfortable seats and delicious dishes, Local Heroes Bar offers local brews, wine, and great views, Interislander Premium Lounge, with an intimate ambiance and great food and drinks. Including how far in advance to book and departure times. Enjoy a movie, a drink in Plus, you are likely to get a better price if you book in advance, particularly with Bluebridge ferries. In Wellington, the passenger terminal for Interislander is at Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington. The 92km ferry between Wellington and Picton takes 3 and a half hours and has been described by many as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world". The Port Angeles ferry reservation phone number is 1-360-457-4491 (no toll free #) and the Anacortes Ferry reservation phone number is 1-206-464-6400 (again no toll free #) For reservations on the Seattle Victoria ferry, the Alaska Ferries or the Port Hardy- Prince Rupert Ferries please call 1.800.686.0446 For general ferry or ferry related . Check with your bus operator. As a walk-on passenger, make sure to check into the passenger terminal of your chosen ferry company at Picton or Wellington at least 30 minutes before your departure time. Check the latest arrival and departure times before you head to the terminal. At the very southern tip of the North Island lays the capital city of Wellington and at the very northern tip of the South Island lays the small town of Picton. The Cook Strait ferry companies both offer different fare types, the cheaper option being non-refundable and the rest giving a full or partial refund. We also give you practical information for every ferry service, such as duration and useful tips to enjoy your ferry ride more. The country of New Zealand is split into two main islands, the North Island and the South Island. On a clear day, you'll have views of the South Island in the distance. I cannot speak to the exact details of a Bluebridge experience but from all I hear from others, they are pretty similar in all regards. You may even spot some dolphins or whales if youre lucky! and pick up in Wellington if travelling south to north. At the end of this guide, we have a list of 15 Things to Know About the Ferry to the South Island of New Zealand. You usually experience this when booking a rental car. There are lots to see on the 3h30min journey along Wellington Harbour, Cook Strait, Marlborough Sounds, Queen Charlotte Sound and Picton, and vice versa. So pack your car and get motoring, we'll be waiting to welcome you aboard soon! Plus, some of the best experiences you can have in NZ are on road trips! The vehicle carrying service takes around 3 hours and is often described as "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world". Booking your tickets in advance is also the best way to find the cheapest deals. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); A lover of mountain peaks, craft beer, and of course, New Zealand! With Interislander ferries there are typically three departure times daily from Wellington to Picton 11 am; 2:15 pm and 6:30 pm. . There were plenty of small food options throughout the various decks serving everything from small pastries to larger meals. Are you planning on taking the ferry from Wellington to South Island New Zealand by car, campervan, or on foot? First, give Interislander and Bluebridge a call. Travel the Cook Strait by ferry from the North Island to the South Island or simply catch a water taxi that will get you from A to B. Anything over this weight should be booked on the Light truck 2.5-3.5T category. On Interislander ferries, on the other hand, you can book a private cabin on their Kaitaki ferry. To help you in making your decision as to what ferry company to choose Ive listed the pros of each below: Bluebridge typically cheaper prices, more cabins on board should you want some private space. Anything over this weight or length restriction needs to be booked via our freight booking office. There are two routes you can choose from: A ferry from Wellington to Picton and a ferry from Picton to Wellington. Be sure to check out the other New Zealand itineraries and guides up on the site and feel free to write in any questions below! A vehicle equipped for living in, typically towed by a car. The site will show you car options & prices from a variety of companies. 3 hr 30 min Bluebridge 4 Sailings Daily 3 hr 30 min Wellington - Picton is one of our busiest routes - sailings regularly sell out at busy periods Tip: Don't wait until it's too late! You can save money by taking the ferry by night but the journey is well worth the extra dollars so make sure that one of your crossings is done by day for a breathtaking cruise. Note that once the ferry leaves, you will not be allowed onto the car deck and therefore, youll be required to stay upstairs outside of your car. Please double check through the websites linked above when deciding which exact date/time you are interested in. Or zip across Foveaux Strait between Bluff and Stewart Island in just one hour aboard comfortable catamarans. Nature lovers will be pleased to know there are high chances to see the many species of native dolphins, whales, albatross, orca (killer whales), and NewZealand fur seals. Bluebridge offers a sleeper service on the ferry to Picton, which will enable you to get about six hours of sleep in a private cabin. Picton has dozens of hotels to choose from so I have narrowed it down to a few of the best places to stay during your visit. There are two ferry companies in New Zealand: Combining both companies, there are usually. In that case, you should buy a foot passenger ferry ticket to get to Picton. Would you believe that in the peak season (Summer and long weekends) there are up to 21 ferries operating daily between 2 different ferry companies?! early. Explore Waiheke Island, the jewel in the Hauraki Gulf. As the ship docks, you will then make the short drive around the ship, off onto the docking area, and then onto your next destination in New Zealands South Island! Cruise through the beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound in the Marlborough Sounds, where you might spot dolphins. Whether youre a seasoned traveler or its your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure! The sailing time is around 3.5 hours (weather dependent). There are cabins available to sleep on board as well as restaurants and bars plus WiFi so youre sure to have all your needs met when making the crossing on the Cook Strait. If you are just a passenger without a car you will head into the ferry terminal and will board the ship from there (and you will have the option to check any bags in as well). It is, therefore, necessary to first have a good idea of how it works with the rental car or camper, and only then book the ferry. I am easily prone to seasickness. train service to other South Island If you plan to go on the boat with a rental car, check carefully whether the car can be taken on the boat. Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3-hour cruise across Cook Strait, which links New Zealand's capital city in the North Island to a charming enclave in the South Island. The Nomatic Travel Backpack has 20+ innovative features, perfect for everyday use! Said to be one of the most beautiful sailing journeys in the world, crossing the Cook Strait is more than just a ferry ride. If youre traveling on foot, you can book your ferry ticket from Wellington to Picton on Viator.com. To give you a quick idea of New Zealand ferry prices, we have put this list together. However, here are six tips to save money on your ferry ticket: Wellington Vehicle Check-In, Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington, Interislander Picton Vehicle Check-In, 3 Auckland Street, Picton. Luckily for you, there are some great places to check out on the South Island. These tips will help you prepare for your ferry and the beginning of any epic South Island road trip! Read our guide on how to travel by ferry from Wellington to Picton or in the opposite direction. The ferry from North Island to South Island is a 3-hour cruise across the Cook Strait, departing from Wellington Ferry Terminal and arriving at Picton Ferry Terminal. Operated by Metlink, Interislander, InterCity and others, the Wellington Airport (WLG) to South Island service departs from Wellington International Airport and . The food options on board tend to be limited so make sure to bring snacks with you if youre a fussy eater or have allergies. Book now to secure your choice of departure time Latest offers for Wellington - Picton View all Special Offers Offers and Promotions On Interislander, youll have different restaurants to choose from: Bluebridge has different food options, from smoothie bowls to smoked salmon toasties and much more, with the main dishes available from 9.00 AM to 5.00 AM, which is very convenient. Bluebridge offers free shuttle services to the terminal from the Interislander Terminal Bus Shelter, Picton i-SITE and Oxleys Tavern (Corner of Wellington Street and London Quay). Sailing Cruise control. The Interislander's three ferries - Kaiarahi, Aratere and Kaitaki, offer a convenient and regular daily rail, commercial freight and, passenger ferry service crossing Cook Strait from Wellington in the North Island to Picton in the South Island. Ferry companies Wellington city is the capital city of New Zealand, it is in the North Island, and its where ferries depart and arrive to and from the South Island https://explore . I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and if you have any questions about the ferry New Zealand North to South Island, please drop me a comment below this post, and I will get back to you as soon as I can. Covers, but is not limited to the following vehicle types: sedan, hatch-back, coupe, sports car/convertible, people-mover, station wagon, SUV or an off-roader, classic car, 4x4. So, if youre someone who suffers from seasickness then I advise against traveling it in the winter months if possible. Compare and book cheap flights to anywhere. Always check the prices before booking and the latest travel information before departure. Because a ferry ride between Wellington and Picton is the best way to get between the North and South Islands when travelling New Zealand by road, we put this quick guide together about taking the ferry. Before you start enjoying the South Island, you need to get there which is where this blog comes in handy! ferry ticket from Wellington to Picton on Viator.com. Welcome/Kia Ora By using this website you agree to our Privacy Policy and terms of use within it which includes sponsored posts and affiliate links. Lucky for you, Ive put together an in-depth 2 week South Island New Zealand itinerary to help you plan your trip! Below are a couple screenshots on ferry timings for each company from Wellington to Picton. Both North Island to South Island ferry companies offer different amenities, from private cabins to free WiFi and more, so lets discuss them all. How you travel depends on where you start your journey. Interislander Wellington passenger terminal, Interislander Wellington vehicle terminal. Nice! You should plan to arrive an hour before your departure time if taking your car onto the ferry. Hey Megan - no problem. The crossing offers beautiful views in many places. Both companies offer private cabins, but these sell out quickly and are especially popular with families and couples. ! separating the North and South Islands before entering the sheltered waters of the Recommended option Car ferry, bus 13h 45m Take the car ferry from Wellington to Picton Catching the ferry is a great way to catch up with old friends and young family and spend some quality time together while taking in New Zealand's finest scenery. Would you believe that in the peak season (Summer and long weekends) there are up to 21 ferries operating daily between 2 different ferry companies? Waiheke is a stunning island with beautiful beaches, exceptional vineyards and a destination not to be missed. Picton may be a small town but there are a ton of great places to stay. Large pods up to 300 humpback whales migrate across the Cook Strait between June and September so keep your eyes peeled. Your choices are simple and limited when it comes to choosing a ferry to go from Wellington to Picton or vice versa. Equestrian vehicles carrying horses can only travel under 2.5m swells. I definitely got a little seasick the last time I rode a ferry to the South Island. There is also an outdoor area on the side of the boat, as well as one on the back of the boat above the car storage area. The Interislander ferries are comfortable and spacious, with a variety of accommodation options available. Read on for 10 helpful facts about catching a ferry to the South Island so you know exactly what to expect. The ferry to the South Island departs from the cool capital of Wellington and arrives in picturesque Picton on the South Island (one of the best places to visit on the South Island .) The Cook Strait ferry crossing is 93 kilometers (58 miles) and takes three-and-a-half hours. Wendekreisen Travel Ltd is a New Zealand owned and family operated company, predominantly offering Motorhome, Campervan and Rental Car hire to overseas and domestic travellers in New Zealand. Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Queenstown, Doubtful Sound Wilderness Cruise from Manapouri, Taste of Waiheke Tour - Auckland to Waiheke, Milford Sound Scenic Cruise from Queenstown, Coach & Ferry from Invercargill to Stewart Island, Ferry & Coach from Stewart Island to Invercargill, Waiheke Ferry - Auckland to Waiheke Open Return, Rangitoto Island Ferry Day Trip - Auckland to Rangitoto. of New Zealand's most iconic experiences. There are two things I could recommend. Harbour View Motelis one of my favorite hotels in Picton because of its location and views. Check out our monthly blogs to inspire your next adventure! 5 FAQ answered, Take the camper or caravan to the Wadden Islands, Top 7 active things to do on Block Island. Please note if you are travelling with livestock you will need to book via our freight office by calling 0800 162 322 or emailing. Please check your ferry voucher and contact Interislander 48 hours prior to sailing, to ensure your departure time has not changed. You can either choose to use the ferry by just going as a passenger, but you also have the convenient option to add a car on board as well. Crossing time is 3 hours for the Arahura, Aratere and 3.10 hours for the Kaitaki. Not long after visiting NZ for the first time, I packed my bags leaving behind the cold weather in Canada to settle in this beautiful place called Queenstown! Interislander ferry now. Both Bluebridge and Interislander allow passengers to take the ferry with a rental car. InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton 291 Reviews Wellington, New Zealand Share Save to Wishlist From $47.56 Lowest Price Guarantee Select Date and Travelers Check Availability Reserve Now & Pay Later Secure your spot while staying flexible Free cancellation Up to 24 hours in advance. Tickets can be booked online through the company websites. Read our disclosure policy for more info. When it comes to choosing, you are more likely to pick the sailing with the best price and most convenient time for your itinerary. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); We all know accidents can happen and having Heymondo Insurance will save you thousands of dollars if something goes wrong. This ensures that you will be able to choose the perfect car (and deal) for your trip to the country. The last time I rode a ferry from Wellington to Picton on Viator.com read on for 10 helpful facts catching! 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