Boat and Ferry Travel

The Interislander runs a ferry service between Wellington and Picton; the boats take three hours. Fares vary by time of year, ranging from NZ$55 to NZ$75 one-way per person; for a car and driver, fares are NZ$174 to NZ$250. You can book up to six months in advance. A free bus leaves Platform 9 at the Wellington Railway Station for the ferry terminal 50 minutes before sailings. Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry vessels, The Strait Feronia and The Straitsman, sail up to four times per day between Wellington and Picton. Fares are NZ$53 to NZ$73 one-way per person, and NZ$173 to NZ$199 for a driver with car up to 20 feet long. Most car-rental agencies offer North Island–South Island transfer programs.

Boat and Ferry Contacts

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry. Wellington, Wellington. 0800/844–844; www.bluebridge.co.nz.

Interislander. Wellington, Wellington. 0800/802–802; www.interislander.co.nz.