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☕ Please Buy Us a CoffeeInterislander vs Bluebridge: prices, schedules, car ferry costs, and how to find the cheapest crossing on Cook Strait between the North and South Islands.
The Cook Strait ferry crossing between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) is one of the great experiences of a New Zealand trip. You sail through the Marlborough Sounds — a network of drowned river valleys with bush-clad hills, turquoise water and isolated bays. The whole crossing takes about 3.5 hours. Two ferry companies operate the route: Interislander and Bluebridge.
Prices indicative for 2026. Always confirm on the operator’s website — peak season (Dec–Feb, Easter, school holidays) adds NZ$30–$80 to vehicle fares.
Bluebridge is usually NZ$10–$30 cheaper than Interislander for equivalent crossings, particularly for vehicles. Foot passenger prices are similar between the two operators (both start at around NZ$55) but the gap widens as soon as you add a car or campervan. A standard car booking saves you roughly NZ$15–$25 with Bluebridge, while a large campervan can be NZ$30–$50 cheaper.
That said, Interislander runs more daily sailings, has larger ships that handle rough Cook Strait conditions better, and offers a more comfortable onboard experience. If price is your only concern, book Bluebridge. If you want the more scenic, comfortable crossing — particularly if you’re prone to seasickness — the extra NZ$15–$30 for Interislander is worth it.
If you’re doing a North-to-South Island road trip, the ferry cost adds up. Here’s what to expect for vehicles on the Wellington to Picton route in 2026:
Vehicle prices include the driver. Passengers travelling with the vehicle pay an additional NZ$55–$75 each. Peak season (Christmas through January, Easter, July school holidays) adds approximately 20–30% to all vehicle fares.
Interislander — the bigger, more well-known operator. Larger ships, more sailings per day (typically 4–5 each way), onboard cafes, bars, movie lounge, kids’ play area, and outdoor viewing decks. The scenic experience is better on Interislander because the ships are larger and more stable. Foot passengers from NZ$55, cars from NZ$135, campervans more. Book at interislander.co.nz.
Bluebridge — the smaller, often cheaper alternative. Two ships running 2–4 sailings per day each way. Slightly no-frills but perfectly good. Often NZ$10–$30 cheaper than Interislander for equivalent crossings. Cafe onboard, decent outdoor decks. Foot passengers from NZ$55, cars from NZ$120. Book at bluebridge.co.nz.
The journey is approximately 92 km and takes 3 hours 20 minutes (Interislander) or 3 hours 30 minutes (Bluebridge). You leave Wellington Harbour, cross the open water of Cook Strait (about 45 minutes of open sea), then enter the Tory Channel and wind through the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. The Marlborough Sounds section is stunning — go out on deck for this part.
Most travellers doing a road trip take their rental car or campervan on the ferry. You drive on, park on the vehicle deck, walk up to the passenger decks, and drive off at the other end. Check in at least 45 minutes before departure (60 minutes in peak season). Vehicle prices vary by length — a standard car is typically $135–$220, a large campervan $200–$350+. Prices are highest over Christmas/New Year and school holidays.
Cook Strait can be rough, particularly in southerly or northwesterly winds. The open-sea section (about 45 minutes between Wellington Heads and the Tory Channel entrance) is where most motion is felt. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding, sit mid-ship where motion is least, and face forward. On calm days, the crossing is smooth and beautiful. On rough days, it can be genuinely unpleasant — but the Marlborough Sounds section at the end is always sheltered.
Wellington side: If you have time before your sailing, explore Wellington — Te Papa museum (free), the Cable Car, Cuba Street, and the waterfront. The ferry terminal is a short drive from the city centre.
Picton side: Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and the top of the South Island. From here you can drive north to Nelson and Abel Tasman (4.5 hours), east to Blenheim wine country (25 minutes), or south to Kaikōura (2 hours) and Christchurch (4.5 hours).
Bluebridge is usually NZ$10–$30 cheaper than Interislander, particularly for vehicles. A standard car booking saves about NZ$15–$25 with Bluebridge, while campervans can be NZ$30–$50 cheaper. Foot passenger prices are similar (both start around NZ$55).
Foot passenger fares start at NZ$55. A car with driver starts at NZ$120 on Bluebridge or NZ$135 on Interislander. Campervans start around NZ$195–$220. Peak season (Dec–Feb, Easter, school holidays) adds 20–30% to vehicle fares.
The Wellington to Picton ferry takes approximately 3 hours 25 minutes on Interislander and 3 hours 30 minutes on Bluebridge. The crossing covers about 92 km and passes through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds in the final stretch.
Yes. Both ferries take cars, campervans and motorbikes. Drive on, park on the vehicle deck, then walk up to the passenger decks. Check in at least 45 minutes before departure (60 minutes in peak season). Vehicle spaces sell out in summer — book ahead.
Interislander has larger ships, more daily sailings, and better onboard facilities — the more comfortable choice especially in rough Cook Strait conditions. Bluebridge is usually cheaper and perfectly good for a no-frills crossing. If you’re prone to seasickness or want the scenic experience, choose Interislander. If you want to save money, choose Bluebridge.
Bluebridge is generally the cheapest. For the lowest fares on either operator, book midweek off-peak sailings (Tuesday/Wednesday outside school holidays), book 6–8 weeks ahead to access Saver fares, and consider night sailings which are cheaper and save a night’s accommodation.
Connectivity: There's Wi-Fi on board but it can be slow and patchy, especially mid-crossing in Cook Strait. If you need reliable data, make sure you have an eSIM or local SIM — see our eSIM guide.