The Cook Strait isn't just a patch of water. It's basically a wind tunnel between two mountain ranges that happens to have a massive volume of ocean squeezed through it. Taking the ferry to South Island is often pitched as this serene, postcard-perfect cruise through the Marlborough Sounds. Sometimes it is. But other times, you’re clutching a sickness bag while the boat pitches through three-meter swells in one of the roughest bodies of water on the planet.
You’ve got two choices: Interislander or Bluebridge.
Most travelers think they’re identical. They aren't. Choosing the wrong one—or more importantly, the wrong time of day—can turn a three-and-a-half-hour trip into a logistical nightmare that eats your entire New Zealand itinerary.
The Reality of the Cook Strait Crossing
People call it the "Interislander" like it's a generic term for the boat, but that's actually the government-owned brand (KiwiRail). Bluebridge is the private competitor. Honestly, the "best" one usually just comes down to who has a sailing that fits your driving schedule. But if you're prone to seasickness, the ship size matters. Big time.
The larger Interislander vessels, like the Kaitaki, tend to handle the swell a bit better than the smaller freight-heavy ships. When the Southerly kicks up, the Cook Strait becomes a washing machine. The wind funnels through the gap between the North and South Islands, accelerating until it hits Wellington Harbour with enough force to cancel flights. If the swell is over four meters, expect delays. If it's over six, stay in your hotel.
Getting your car on the boat is a choreographed dance of exhaust fumes and tight spaces. You’ll be directed by crew members who have seen every possible way a human can fail to park a Toyota Corolla. Don't be that person who forgets where they parked; take a photo of the deck number and the nearest stairwell color. Once the heavy steel doors hiss shut, you're not getting back to your vehicle until you hit Picton.
Why the Night Sailing is a Trap (Usually)
Budget travelers love the 2:00 AM sailings because they’re cheaper. Don't do it. Unless you've booked a private cabin—which costs extra—you’ll be trying to sleep on a plastic chair or a sticky carpet while a toddler cries three feet away. Plus, you miss the best part of the ferry to South Island: the entry into the Marlborough Sounds.
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The first hour out of Wellington is the "rough" bit. The final hour into Picton is pure magic. As the ship enters Tory Channel, the water turns a deep, glassy teal. You're suddenly surrounded by emerald-green hills that look like they’ve been dropped straight into the sea. If you take the night ferry, you’re staring at a black void. You’ve basically paid for a floating bus ride instead of one of the world’s most beautiful cruises.
Booking, Pricing, and the "Flexi" Lie
Here is the truth about "flexible" tickets. They are expensive. But in New Zealand, weather is the boss. If a storm rolls through and your "Easy Change" ticket is locked to a specific date, you might find yourself stuck in a Wellington parking lot for two days with no recourse.
- Saver Fares: Great if you’re 100% sure of your plans. Non-refundable.
- Flexi Fares: Allow changes, which is vital if your South Island road trip gets delayed by a landslide on SH1 (which happens).
- The Peak Season Factor: If you are trying to get a ferry to South Island in January or February without a booking, you’re dreaming. It fills up weeks in advance.
The price isn't just for you; it's for the "footprint" of your vehicle. A campervan costs significantly more than a hatchback. If you have a bike rack on the back, measure the total length. They check. If you lie about the length to save twenty bucks, they might pull you out of the line and tell you there’s no room on the deck.
What About the Food?
Don't expect Michelin stars. It’s cafeteria food—meat pies, fish and chips, and overpriced flat whites. The Interislander has a premium lounge (Plus) which includes food and booze. If you’re a solo traveler, the cost of the lounge is almost justified by the fact that you get a quiet seat and enough food to skip dinner. If you’re a family of five? Forget it. Pack sandwiches and buy a bag of Jet Planes at the canteen.
The Logistics of Departure
Wellington’s ferry terminals are in two different spots. This catches people out every single week. Interislander is near the Sky Stadium; Bluebridge is right in the center of town near the railway station.
You need to check in at least 60 minutes before departure if you have a vehicle. 45 minutes if you’re a foot passenger. If you show up at 55 minutes, they’ll probably let you on. If you show up at 30 minutes, you’ll watch the ramp lift while you’re still at the check-in booth. It’s a gut-wrenching feeling.
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For those traveling with pets, they stay in the car or in designated kennels on the vehicle deck. It’s loud down there. It’s smelly. If your dog is a nervous wreck, talk to a vet about mild sedation before the crossing. You aren't allowed to go down and check on them during the voyage for safety reasons.
Managing the Motion
If the forecast says "Gale Force," take a pill. Take it an hour before you board. Once you feel sick, it's too late. The ginger beer they sell at the kiosk is more of a placebo than a cure. Head to the middle of the ship on a lower deck—that’s where the center of gravity is and where the swaying is minimized. Avoid staring at your phone. Look at the horizon.
The Cook Strait has a fearsome reputation for a reason. The "Wahine Disaster" of 1968 is still etched into the local psyche. Modern stabilizers make the ride significantly smoother than it was fifty years ago, but physics is physics. The water is deep, the currents are moving at up to nine knots, and the wind is relentless.
Arriving in Picton: Don't Rush
When the ship docks in Picton, there is a mad scramble to the car decks. People act like the boat is sinking. Relax. It takes twenty minutes to unload.
Picton is a tiny, charming town that most people treat as a drag strip. They drive off the ferry to South Island and immediately floor it toward Christchurch or Nelson. This is a mistake. The roads out of Picton are winding and dangerous, especially if you’ve just spent three hours on a boat and you’re tired.
Take a breath. Grab a coffee at a cafe on the waterfront. If you’re heading to Nelson, the Queen Charlotte Drive is stunning but incredibly narrow. If you’re heading south to Kaikoura, watch out for the seals on the rocks once you hit the coast.
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Hidden Costs and Practicalities
- Rental Cars: Some rental companies don't allow their cars on the ferry. You "drop" your car in Wellington and "pick up" a new one in Picton. This sounds like a hassle, but it saves you the ferry fee for the vehicle. Check your contract.
- WiFi: It’s terrible. Even if they say they have it, it’s satellite-based and drops out the moment 500 people try to check Instagram at once. Download your maps and movies before you leave the hotel.
- Luggage: Foot passengers check their bags just like an airline. Don't leave your passport or medication in your checked suitcase.
Actionable Steps for a Seamless Crossing
To ensure your transition between islands doesn't ruin your trip, follow these specific steps.
First, monitor the MetService "Cook Strait" marine forecast 48 hours out. If you see swells predicted over 3 meters, expect a bumpy ride and pack Sea-Legs (the local brand of motion sickness tablets).
Second, if you're driving a rental, verify your "inter-island" policy immediately. If you need to swap cars, you must book the Picton car separately from your Wellington drop-off. Missing this detail means you'll arrive in Picton with no transport and no way to get to your accommodation.
Third, aim for the mid-morning sailing (around 9:00 AM or 10:00 AM). This gives you enough time to check out of your Wellington accommodation without rushing and ensures you hit the Marlborough Sounds in the best light of the day. You'll arrive in Picton around 1:00 PM, giving you plenty of daylight to reach Nelson or Blenheim safely.
Finally, join the loyalty programs or check for "AA member" discounts. New Zealand Automobile Association members often get a significant percentage off the base fare, which can cover the cost of your lunch or a cabin upgrade.
The crossing is more than a commute; it is the bridge between two very different versions of New Zealand. The North Island is volcanic and bustling; the South Island is alpine and rugged. This ferry trip is the decompression chamber where you leave the city behind and prepare for the wild.