Taking a Campervan on the Cook Strait Ferry: Wellington to Picton
Quick summary: The Cook Strait ferry is how you take a campervan or motorhome between New Zealand’s North and South Islands. Vehicle ferries sail between Wellington and Picton, a crossing of around 92 km that takes around three and a half hours. It is far more than a transfer: the final hour winds through the forested inlets of the Marlborough Sounds, one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Route | Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South Island) |
| Crossing distance | Around 92 km |
| Crossing time | Around 3.5 hours |
| Operators carrying vehicles | Interislander and Bluebridge |
| How vehicles are charged | Generally by vehicle length |
| Booking | Book as early as possible, especially in summer |
| Best for | Any trip that covers both islands |
What is the Cook Strait crossing like?
The journey has three distinct parts. Leaving Wellington, the ferry sails down the length of Wellington Harbour, with the city, its hills and the houses of the eastern bays slipping past. Then comes the open water of Cook Strait itself, where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean. On calm days it is smooth and blue; on windy days it can be lively, with a long swell.
The final stretch is the highlight. The ferry enters the Marlborough Sounds through the narrow entrance of Tory Channel and glides along Queen Charlotte Sound, between steep hills cloaked in native bush, past secluded bays and holiday homes reachable only by boat. Head out on deck: dolphins are often seen here, and the views get better with every bend until the ferry docks at Picton.
How do you take a motorhome on the ferry?
The process is simple, and motorhomes are a very common sight on board.
- Book your vehicle and passengers. You book a space for the vehicle, usually based on its length, plus each person travelling. Have your vehicle’s dimensions to hand; your rental paperwork will list them.
- Arrive at the terminal in good time. Each operator sets a check-in time before departure; allow extra for city traffic.
- Check in at the vehicle lanes. Staff will direct you to a lane, and you wait in your vehicle until boarding.
- Drive on board. Crew guide you onto the vehicle deck and show you where to park. Large vehicles often reverse into place.
- Prepare the vehicle. You will typically be asked to turn off the gas, apply the handbrake and make sure everything inside is secure.
- Go up to the passenger decks. Vehicle decks are closed during the crossing, so take what you need for three and a half hours: snacks, a jacket, a camera, seasickness tablets if you need them.
- Return to your vehicle when called before arrival, and drive off when directed.
Interislander or Bluebridge: which should you choose?
Both operators carry motorhomes across Cook Strait, and both offer a comfortable crossing of similar length. The differences are mostly practical.
- Departure times and terminal locations differ between the two, and each terminal in Wellington is in a different part of the waterfront. Choose the sailing that fits your plans and check which terminal it uses.
- Onboard facilities vary, with cafés, lounges, outdoor decks and premium lounges available to different degrees.
- Pricing varies by operator, sailing, vehicle length and how far ahead you book, so compare both for your dates.
Many travellers simply choose whichever has a sailing at the best time. Some rental companies can also arrange the ferry booking for you; check what is available when you book your vehicle.
Can every rental motorhome go on the ferry?
Most rental agreements allow vehicles to cross Cook Strait, but arrangements vary. Some companies prefer you to drop off one vehicle on one island and pick up another on the other side, travelling across as a foot passenger. Check your rental terms before you book the ferry. See our guide to one-way trips and relocation deals.
What does vehicle size mean for the ferry?
Ferry charges for vehicles generally rise with length, so a compact campervan usually travels in a lower category than a large motorhome. It is one of several reasons to consider vehicle size carefully. See our campervan vs motorhome guide.
What is there to do in Wellington before the ferry?
Wellington is a compact, creative capital, and a few hours before or after the ferry is well spent.
- Te Papa Tongarewa, the national museum, tells the story of New Zealand’s land and people.
- The Wellington Cable Car climbs from the city centre to the Botanic Garden, with views over the harbour.
- Mount Victoria Lookout gives a 360-degree view of the city, harbour and strait.
- Zealandia, an ecosanctuary in the city’s hills, is home to rare native birds and tuatara.
- Wētā Workshop in Miramar offers tours behind the scenes of the special effects studio famous for The Lord of the Rings.
- Cuba Street and the waterfront are full of cafés, bars and street life.
Parking a motorhome in central Wellington is challenging, so consider a holiday park outside the centre and taking public transport in. See our Wellington city guide.
What is there to do in Picton and the Marlborough Sounds?
Picton is a relaxed harbour town and the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds.
- Marlborough Sounds cruises explore the bays and inlets, with chances to see dolphins, seals and seabirds.
- The Queen Charlotte Track can be walked or cycled in sections, with water taxis dropping off and collecting at different bays.
- Queen Charlotte Drive, around 35 km from Picton to Havelock, is a winding, scenic road with lookouts over the Sounds. Take it slowly in a motorhome.
- The Pelorus Mail Boat from Havelock delivers mail to remote homes in Pelorus Sound, taking passengers along for the ride.
- Kayaking in the sheltered bays near Picton is a peaceful way to explore.
- Wine tasting in Blenheim, around 28 km south, at the heart of the Marlborough wine region.
Where do you go after the ferry?
From Picton, three routes fan out across the South Island:
- Marlborough and Kaikōura: south via Blenheim and Kaikōura to Christchurch, around 335 km.
- Nelson, Tasman and Golden Bay: west to Nelson, around 110 km, and the Abel Tasman.
- Buller and Paparoa: from Nelson down to the West Coast.
From Wellington, the North Island routes head north:
- Tongariro to Wellington: north via the Kāpiti Coast to Tongariro National Park.
- Hawke’s Bay and Wairarapa: north-east via the Wairarapa wine country.
Do you need to empty your RV’s tanks before the Cook Strait ferry?
The boarding process focuses on gas safety and securing the vehicle, but emptying your waste tanks and topping up water beforehand is simply practical. You won’t have access to the vehicle during the three-and-a-half-hour crossing, and arriving with empty tanks means you can head straight off on the other side.
Tips for a smooth crossing
- Book early for summer and holiday periods, when vehicle space sells out.
- Allow a buffer on the day; don’t plan a tight drive to the terminal.
- Plan your first night on the far side before you sail, especially on late arrivals.
- Take seasickness precautions if you are prone to it; the open-strait section can be rough.
- Head on deck for the Marlborough Sounds section; it is the best part of the trip.
Compare campervan and motorhome hire in Picton
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Vehicle ferries operated by Interislander and Bluebridge carry motorhomes between Wellington and Picton across Cook Strait. Check your rental terms first, as some companies prefer you to swap vehicles between islands.
The crossing between Wellington and Picton takes around three and a half hours and covers around 92 km, including the scenic final section through the Marlborough Sounds.
Both carry vehicles on a crossing of similar length. They differ in departure times, terminal locations in Wellington, onboard facilities and pricing, so compare both for your dates.
Vehicle charges generally depend on the vehicle’s length, so a compact campervan usually costs less to take across than a large motorhome. Have your vehicle’s dimensions ready when booking.
No. Vehicle decks are closed during the crossing, so passengers go up to the passenger decks and return to their vehicles when called before arrival.
It can be. The open-water section of Cook Strait can be choppy in windy weather, while the harbour and Marlborough Sounds sections are usually sheltered. Take seasickness precautions if you are prone to it.
Yes. Vehicle space is limited, especially in summer and holiday periods, so book as soon as your travel dates are fixed.
Popular options include Marlborough Sounds cruises, walking or cycling sections of the Queen Charlotte Track, driving Queen Charlotte Drive to Havelock, and wine tasting in Blenheim.