Travelling throughout Aotearoa? New Zealand’s two main islands—the North and South Islands—each offer a valuable experience for a road trip.
But, it's not always easy to decide the best way to get between them. Each type of journey has advantages, depending on your travel style and needs. Our guide will help you decide if crossing the Cook Strait by air or sea is right for you.
Cook Strait, or Te Moana-o-Raukawa, is the water that separates New Zealand's North and South Islands. It connects the Tasman Sea on the northwest with the South Pacific Ocean on the southeast. At its narrowest point, it's 22 km wide.
In Māori legend, the legendary navigator Kupe discovered Cook Strait. He pursued a giant octopus—Te Wheke-a-Muturangi—across the waters before slaying it near the Tory Channel. Early European explorers, like Abel Tasman, thought Cook Strait was a large bay at first. James Cook’s 1769 voyage confirmed that it was a navigable passage.
Cook Strait is also home to a diverse range of marine life. While crossing, you may spot dolphins, orcas, and even the rare Hector’s dolphin. Some whale species, like humpbacks, migrate through the strait at times. This makes the ferry journey an exciting wildlife-watching opportunity.
The strait is notorious for its strong currents and unpredictable weather. Ferry rides can be rough. Flights to Wellington, the windiest city in the world, can also be bumpy. It’s a good idea to keep this in mind if you are on a tight time schedule.
Locals and visitors have two main ways to travel between Te Ika-a-Māui and Te Waipounamu, which are the North and South Islands of New Zealand. You can cross the Cook Strait by ferry or by plane.
Flying across the Cook Strait is the fastest and most common option for more travellers.
New Zealand has 62 domestic airports—spanning from Invercargill in the south to Whangarei in the north. Our national carrier, Air New Zealand, operates from all airports.
If you need to get from Wellington to Blenheim, Nelson, or Picton in a hurry—all located at the top of the South Island—choose to fly across the Cook Strait.
Flying is quick, and the journey between each island only takes around 25 minutes. Flights to Nelson, Blenheim, and Picton range from NZ$69 to NZ$200. Booking your flight as far in advance as possible can be a good idea, as seats are limited.
Book a flight with Sounds Air to Picton, Nelson, Blenheim or Wellington here.
Book a flight with Origin Air to Nelson or Wellington here.
Book a flight with Air New Zealand to Nelson or Wellington here.
The Cook Strait ferry crossing is one of the most scenic journeys in New Zealand. If you have the time, you definitely should not miss it! Whether you're travelling for leisure, business, or an epic road trip—it’s a great opportunity to see stunning landscapes and marine life.
Two companies operate the Cook Strait ferry service: Interislander and Bluebridge. While they both offer similar services, Interislander has larger ships. This can make cancellations due to bad weather less likely.
Five ferries sail daily—starting at 2:30 AM and running until 8:00 PM.
Bluebridge ferry crossings cost NZ$84 for walk-on passengers. For those travelling with a vehicle, the fare is NZ$321.
Interislander ferry crossings begin at NZ$67 for walk-on passengers. If you're travelling with a vehicle, the fare starts at NZ$249.
When to travel is really a matter of personal preference. But sunrise and sunset sailings offer stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds and across the water.
You’ll also encounter better weather from October to May than from June to September. The end of summer (February to April) is typically the calmest and sunniest.
The Interislander fleet has three ferries: Aratere, Kaiarahi, and Kaitaki. The largest, Kaitaki, accommodates up to 1,350 passengers.
Each ferry has cafés, restaurants, bars, shops, and outdoor viewing decks. There's an Interislander Plus lounge offering a VIP experience for added comfort.
Cafés, bars, and restaurants
Outdoor decks for sightseeing.
Cinemas and game arcades
Free WiFi (though reception may be patchy at times)
Dedicated children's play areas (on Kaitaki)
Cafés and restaurants
Free onboard Wi-Fi and movies
Private cabins
Free family-friendly movies on Feronia.
Airpoints Dollars accepted.
Dog-friendly cabins
In peak seasons like summer and winter, ferries fill up fast. So, it’s important to book ahead. Ticket prices depend on if you travel with a vehicle, the type of vehicle, and if you're towing a caravan or another unit.
Both Interislander and Bluebridge offer a range of fares with different types of flexibility and refund options. Make sure you read and understand what your refund policy is just in case your crossing is cancelled.
The Cook Strait crossing is 96 kilometres. It takes about three and a half hours, though rough weather can sometimes make the journey longer.
Two-thirds of the trip show off the Marlborough Sounds and Wellington coast. This means there’s lots of time for sightseeing. The remaining third of the trip covers the crossing of the Strait. Here the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea.
Whether you’re leaving from Wellington or Picton, you’ll see some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery.
New Zealand often experiences four seasons in one day, and the Cook Strait is no different. The weather is often unpredictable, so it’s best to pack for all weather conditions.
Both ferries have indoor viewing areas and cosy seating. Still, it's smart to bring warm clothes for the outdoor viewing platforms.
Some essential items to bring on your trip include:
A warm jumper
Sunglasses
Waterproof or windbreaker jackets
Sunscreen
A beanie
Motion sickness remedies (if needed).
Water and light snacks.
Books or games
Most New Zealanders choose to fly between our two main islands when travelling from Wellington to the Tasman area. But nothing beats taking the ferry.
While flying is faster, the ferry offers an unforgettable travel experience—one you just can’t experience from the air. It’s also a great option if you’re going on a road trip. All you need to do is load up the car and drive on. From breathtaking scenery to stunning sunsets and diverse wildlife, the journey is part of the adventure.
Whether you're crossing as part of a road trip or simply taking in the views, the Cook Strait ferry is a must-do New Zealand experience!
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