Can you drive from North to South in New Zealand? Fancy a road trip between islands? Unfortunately, there is no bridge or tunnel connecting the islands, the distance is too great. However, there is an Interislander Ferry or Bluebridge Cook Strait car ferry that you can hop aboard.
Additionally, Which ferry is better Wellington to Picton? In Summary. Bluebridge benefits: cheaper ticket deals, free movie showings, more cabins, overnight Wellington to Picton sailing, central Wellington terminal. Interislander benefits: more space, cheaper and more varied food and drink options, smoother sailing on choppy days (larger ships), outside seating.
Can you take a hire car from North to South Island New Zealand? Can I take my rental car between the North and South Island in New Zealand? None of our suppliers permit you to take your vehicle on the Interislander Ferry between the North & South Island of New Zealand. You will need to return your vehicle and pick up a new car on the other island.
Subsequently, Which is better North or South Island NZ? Generally speaking, if you want to engage with city culture or explore Maori history, the North Island is for you. If you want to deep-dive into nature, the South Island has plenty of lakes, mountains, fjords, and glaciers to discover.
FAQ
How long does it take to drive from North to South New Zealand?
How long does it take to drive the length of New Zealand? In theory you could drive the North Island from tip to toe in around 14 hours and the South Island in around 12 non-stop.
How much does it cost to take a car from Wellington to Picton? Ferry Prices
| Vehicle | Off Peak Fare | Peak Fare |
|---|---|---|
| Car | $ | $225 |
| Motorhome at or under 5.5 Metres | $ | $200 |
| Motorhome 5.6 to 6.0 Metres | $ | $230 |
| Motorhome 6.1 to 6.5 Metres | $ | $270 |
Is plus lounge interislander worth it? The lounges are adults only, offering peace and quiet to passengers. The trip from Wellington to Picton was the 9am sailing. All food supplied in the lounge is free, as is beer, wine, coffee, fruit juice and coffee. It is exceptional value.
Why does the Interislander take so long? The Cook Strait ferry crossing time takes 3 to 3½ hours. This wide timeframe is due to the nature of sailing across the sea – which is a bit like running on a slow-moving treadmill.
Can you take a rental car on the ferry in New Zealand?
Thrifty vehicles are not permitted to travel on the ferry between the North and South islands in New Zealand. All insurance cover is voided if a vehicle is taken on the ferry and other financial penalties may apply.
Can you get a ferry from Australia to New Zealand? Taking a slow boat from Australia to New Zealand is not for those in a hurry, but it makes a fantastic cruise if you’ve got the time. Cruising to and around New Zealand is hardly a new idea. The island’s first European settlers arrived by boat, and even up to the 1960s, the only way to get to New Zealand was by sea.
Can you take rental cars on the Interislander?
Apex Car Rentals have partnered with the Bluebridge and Interislander ferry companies to offer you an unbeatable deal. Book any Apex car rental for travel in both the North Island & South Island and the daily rate includes the cost of the vehicle ferry ticket.
What should I not miss on the South Island of New Zealand? 25 Best Places to Visit on the South Island of New Zealand
- Queenstown. I never get sick of this iconic view! …
- Milford Sound. The Milford Sound Swing! …
- Te Anau. Jut one of the epic viewpoints on my favorite Great Walk, the Kepler Track! …
- Mount Cook National Park. …
- Glenorchy. …
- Arrowtown. …
- Wanaka. …
- Doubtful Sound.
Which part of New Zealand is most beautiful?
Most Beautiful Places in New Zealand: South Island. The South Island has the most dramatic scenery in New Zealand—snow-capped mountains, majestic fiords, turquoise lakes, and golden beaches.
Which New Zealand island is most beautiful?
The 15 Most Beautiful Islands in New Zealand
- Waiheke Island. …
- Kapiti Island. …
- Chatham Islands. …
- Aotea/Great Barrier Island. …
- Te Hauturu-o-Toi/Little Barrier Island. …
- Rangitoto ki te Tonga/D’Urville Island. …
- Motu Ihupuku/Campbell Island. …
- Rangitoto Island.
How long is the ferry ride from North to South Island New Zealand? New Zealand’s most famous and beautiful ferry route is between Wellington in the North Island and Picton in the South Island. The journey between the two islands is commonly referred to as ‘crossing the Cook Strait’. The sailing time is around 3.5 hours (weather dependent).
What country is halfway between UK and NZ? The city at the geographic halfway point from London, United Kingdom to New Zealand is Nemuro, Japan.
How many days do you need to see South Island New Zealand?
The short answer is 14 days as a minimum time frame for visiting both the North Island and South Island of New Zealand. That’s roughly one week’s travel time for both islands and is just long enough for any visitor to experience the best of the country.
Can you stay in the car on a ferry? If you are wondering can you stay in your vehicle on a ferry the answer in most cases is no. Once the vessel starts with crossing, you will not be allowed onto the car parking deck as most of the large car ferries for safety reasons, do not allow passengers to stay in their cars.
How many cars can go on a ferry?
The car deck on each ferry can accommodate approximately 100 standard sized vehicles. The specific number of vehicles on any one voyage may fluctuate depending on the length of the vehicles booked on that particular voyage.
Does bluebridge have a plus lounge? Both of our Bluebridge ferries have spacious indoor lounges that include play areas with some toys and games. The Strait Feronia has a larger dedicated play room. Both play areas include a large flat TV screen playing family-friendly movies.
Can you buy food on Interislander?
Interislander Plus includes complimentary food and drink – including wines and beers – and provides a comfortable, quiet, child-free environment, with complimentary newspapers, magazines, and Sky television.
Does aratere have cabins? There are no cabins on this Interislander ship, however, there is enough comfortable seating aboard the Aratere for everyone to sit back and relax, even during the busy Christmas and Easter periods. For those who want some privacy during their crossing there is the luxurious Premium Plus Lounges on offer.
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