Rental Cars and the Cook Strait Ferry: Crossing Between the Islands

Quick summary: The Cook Strait ferry links the North and South Islands, sailing between Wellington and Picton in around three and a half hours. With a rental car, there are two ways to cross: take the car on board, or drop it off in Wellington, cross as a foot passenger, and collect another car in Picton. Which one you can use depends on the rental company, so check before booking the ferry. Picton, Blenheim and Nelson all have rental pickups for the South Island side.

At a glance
Crossing	Wellington to Picton, around three and a half hours
Option 1	Take the rental car on the ferry, if the company allows it
Option 2	Drop off in Wellington, collect another car in Picton
South Island pickups	Picton, Blenheim and Nelson Airport
Next stops	Marlborough, Nelson and Abel Tasman, Kaikōura
Tours	Marlborough tours

Compare car rental in Picton

Can you take a rental car on the ferry?

Some companies allow it, and you book a vehicle place on the ferry for the car. Others don’t allow their cars to cross and instead let you finish one rental in Wellington and start another in Picton. Read the terms before booking, as it changes both the ferry ticket you need and how you plan the day.

How does a car swap across the strait work?

Step	What happens
1	Return the car in Wellington, close to the ferry terminal if possible
2	Cross as a foot passenger with your luggage
3	Collect a new car in Picton, near the ferry terminal

A swap can work out simpler and cheaper, because a foot-passenger ticket costs less than a vehicle place. Allow time at both ends for the paperwork.

Where can you pick up on the South Island side?

Pickup	Best for
Picton	Collecting straight off the ferry
Blenheim	Marlborough’s wineries, around 28 km south of Picton
Nelson Airport	Nelson, Abel Tasman and Golden Bay

Compare car rental at Blenheim Airport

Where can you go after the ferry?

Destination	Approx. distance from Picton	Tours
Blenheim and the wineries	28 km	Marlborough tours
Kaikōura	155 km	Kaikōura tours
Nelson	110 km	Abel Tasman tours

Could you fly instead of taking the ferry?

Yes. Flying from Wellington or Auckland to Nelson, Blenheim or Christchurch and collecting a car there can save a day. The ferry is the more scenic option, with the final hour through the Marlborough Sounds.

Compare car rental at Nelson Airport

Taking a campervan across instead?

Campervans and motorhomes travel as vehicles on the ferry, with their own booking needs. See taking a campervan on the Cook Strait ferry.

Frequently Asked Questions