Transport > New Zealand & Pacific Islands > New Zealand > Ferry travel > Cook Strait (Inter-island) ferries in New Zealand
Cook Strait (inter-island ferries)
There are two ferry companies connecting the North and South Island. Interislander is the main company that most travellers sail with, but the smaller Blue Bridge line is an alternative.
The Interislander (tel 0800 802 802) has three big ships that connect Wellington and Picton several times a day. This ferry is the most popular option mostly because it is the one everyone knows about and also because you can use some travel passes on it. The Interislander also operates the nicest boats and with up to nine return sailings a day they are the most convenient.
The Interislander ferry sails from the Interislander ferry terminal Aotea Quay, Wellington, which is 3km from the city centre, but a free shuttle bus departs the train station 35 minutes before each sailing. There is also a shuttle bus that costs $2 and departs from the YHA hostel at 8.10am to meet the 9.30am ferry departure.
Interislander fares are $62-72 for passengers, $200-235 for cars and small campervans and $130-150 for motorcycles; however there are often special deals when you book online.
The smaller Blue Bridge line (tel 0800 844 844) is an alternative that works out cheaper if you’re taking a car across. Blue Bridge’s fares are also easier to work out, as there is a simple flat fare that everyone pays regardless of when they book their ticket. Blue Bridge ferries depart from the wharf beside the train station. Blue Bridge fares are a flat $35 for passengers, $130 for a car or small campervan and $85 for a motorcycle.
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