Crossing the Cook Strait with a Campervan: What You Need to Know

Planning to explore both islands of Aotearoa – New Zealand by campervan? Then you’ll likely cross the iconic Te Moana-o-Raukawa – Cook Strait. This isn’t just a connection between Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu — it’s an unforgettable experience in itself. Just know that it’s totally weather and wind dependent — some days are calm and stunning, others can get pretty hairy out there. Whether smooth sailing or a bit of a wild ride, it’s all part of the adventure.

From scenic sounds and open-sea crossings to smart booking tips, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know to make your ferry journey smooth and stress-free.

What Makes It Special?

Crossing the Cook Strait is more than a transport link — it’s part of the adventure. With views over Wellington Harbour, wildlife sightings at sea and a cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, this journey often becomes a highlight.

Whether you’re heading southbound from Wellington to Picton or making the return trip, the ferry gives you a front-row seat to some of Aotearoa’s most spectacular coastal scenery.

Booking Your Ferry Ticket

You’ve got two main ways to book your ferry ride — and both have pros depending on your travel style.

🧾 Through Your Campervan Rental Company

Many campervan rental companies (especially premium ones) offer to book your ferry tickets as part of the hire. This often includes flexible fares with no-fee changes up to 24 hours before departure. If weather causes delays, they’ll usually help rebook you.

💻 Book It Yourself

Prefer booking directly? Head to the Interislander or Bluebridge websites and follow these steps:

• Choose your route: Wellington ↔ Picton
• Enter the number of passengers
• Select “motorhome” or “campervan” and enter vehicle length (usually 5.9–7.4 metres)
• Travelling with a pet? Tick that box
• Pick your sailing time and fare type
• Add any extras (like a cabin, meal or lounge access)
• Confirm your details and pay online

💡 Tip: Save your confirmation email to your phone — you’ll need it at check-in.

What It Costs

Pricing depends on your vehicle size, number of passengers and the time of year.

One-way costs (motorhome + 2 adults):

• Low season (Apr–Nov): $340–$585
• Peak season (Dec–Mar): $370–$770

📝 Note: These are estimated ranges — always check ferry sites for updated fares.

Taking Your Motorhome on the Ferry

🚐 Check-In & Arrival

Arrive at the terminal at least 1 hour before departure — earlier during peak times. Both terminals are clearly signposted.

Once you’re there:

• Follow signs for larger vehicles
• Keep your booking reference handy
• Staff will guide you into a waiting lane
• Drive slowly (max 10 km/h) on terminal grounds

🅿️ Boarding & Parking

You’ll be directed up ramps and into place. These are motorhome-friendly, so no need to worry about clearance.

Once parked:

• Lock up your campervan
• Grab essentials (you can’t return during crossing):
  • Wallet & ID
  • Phone, charger, ferry booking
  • Snacks, water, meds
  • Warm layers, jacket, sunscreen

Then head to the passenger decks and settle in.

What the Crossing Is Like

The Cook Strait is known for its changeable conditions — one day it’s calm, the next it’s wild.

• Crossing time: ~3.5 hours
• Distance: 93 km (50 nautical miles)

⛴ From North to South:

• Depart Wellington Harbour with views of Mt Victoria
• Pass Pencarrow Lighthouse and Barrett’s Reef
• Cross the strait (watch for dolphins!)
• Enter Queen Charlotte Sound — lush bush, mussel farms and quiet coves
• Arrive in the harbour town of Picton

This final leg through the Marlborough Sounds is often the most magical — a slow, scenic cruise past lush green hills, mussel farms, native bush and hidden coves.

If you’re curious to explore this breathtaking region more deeply once you arrive, check out our full guide to the area:
👉 Marlborough Sounds Travel Guide

Ferry Operators & Schedules

Two companies offer regular sailings:

Interislander

• Ships: Kaitaki, Kaiarahi, Aratere
• 3 sailings per day each way
• Kaitaki and Kaiarahi allow drive-through boarding (no reversing)

Bluebridge

• 2 vessels, 3–4 sailings daily
• Slightly smaller ships
• Often quieter and less crowded

⏱ Sailing times vary — always double-check the latest schedule when planning.

Onboard Amenities

Depending on your ferry, you’ll find:

• Cafés, bars and snack shops
• Movie lounges and cinemas
• Kids’ areas with creative activities
• Free Wi-Fi and charging points
• Private cabins (optional)
• Premium lounges (extra cost)
• Live music (on some sailings)

Use the time to rest, upload photos or enjoy the views from the top deck.

Helpful Tips for a Smooth Journey

🕓 Sail by Day
Choose a daytime crossing to soak in the scenery — it’s worth the slightly higher price.

📅 Book Early
Summer and holidays sell out fast — reserve your place weeks in advance.

🚐 Drive-Through Saves Stress
Prefer not to reverse? Pick Kaitaki or Kaiarahi ferries for straight drive-off access.

🧭 Linger in Picton
You’ll disembark behind the freight trucks. Stay for a bite or coffee in Picton before hitting the road.

💊 Seasick? Plan Ahead
Bring motion-sickness tablets and sit mid-ship or up top where the ride feels smoother.

📸 Snap Your Parking Spot
It’s easy to forget where you parked on a big ship — a photo will help you find it later.

Final Thoughts

Crossing the Cook Strait with your campervan is part of the magic of exploring Aotearoa – New Zealand. It’s a moment to slow down, take in the coastline, and enjoy the rhythm of the journey itself.

Booking a Campervan for your road trip across both islands?

Whether you’re picking up your camper in the North or the South, you’ll find a range of vehicles that suit your journey.
👉 Use the search tool below to find your perfect motorhome rental and start exploring Aotearoa – New Zealand at your own pace.

🌍 Travel Planning Resources

These are the tools we personally use and trust when planning our travels from finding a place to stay to booking activities, transport and insurance. Let your Tohu guide you — Trust the Journey and follow what feels right for you.

• ✈️Flights – Compare great deals with Trip.com then Kiwi.com for flexible, affordable options.
• 🚐 Campervans – Compare rental deals with Motorhome Republic across Aotearoa and beyond.
• 🛏️ Stays – Compare hotels on Trip.com and TripAdvisor or Booking.com.
• 🚐 Rental Cars – Compare prices and book through Airport Rentals by Motorhome Republic for trusted brands and easy airport pickup.
• 🎟️ Activities – Browse tours and experiences on Viator, Get Your Guide, or TripAdvisor
• 🛡️ Travel Insurance – Get flexible short-term coverage with Insubuy for your next holiday.
• 🔒 Protect Your Privacy with a VPN – We recommend Surfshark VPN for secure and private browsing while travelling. It’s fast, affordable and works worldwide — perfect for public Wi-Fi at airports, cafes and hotels.
• 📱 Travel eSIM – Stay connected with Airalo
• 💼 Lounge Access – Treat yourself with Priority Pass – for UK or US
• 🎶 Events & Concerts – Book tickets worldwide through Ticketmaster.

🧭 Note: Some booking links can be a bit shy when you’re using a VPN. If one doesn’t open, try pausing your VPN or switching to a different server location or secure Wi-Fi network to get things flowing again.