How to travel between the North and South Islands in New Zealand

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.

Where is Cook Strait?

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.

Early discovery

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.

Marine life

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.

Weather

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.

Crossing the Cook Strait

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 between the North and South Islands

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.

Flying across the Cook Strait

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.

Why fly across the Cook Strait?

• Quick travel time: Flights from Wellington to Blenheim take 25 minutes, while longer routes to Christchurch take under an hour. It’s the fastest way to get where you are going.
• Affordable tickets: Depending on how far in advance you can book, flights can cost as little as NZ$69, including your luggage. This is cheaper than a ferry ticket.
• No weather worries: Bad weather can delay ferries across the Cook Strait.

Things to consider before booking your flight

• Limited luggage: Flights across the Strait can be more expensive when adding luggage to your domestic flight.
• Misses the scenic journey: Unlike the ferry, flying skips the iconic Cook Strait views and the beauty of the Marlborough Sounds.
• No vehicle transport: If you're planning a road trip. you’ll need to rent a car upon arrival.

Ferrying across the Cook Strait

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.

Choosing a ferry operator

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.

Best time to travel

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.

What to expect on the Interislander ferries

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.

Onboard Facilities

• 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)

What to expect on the Bluebridge ferries

• Cafés and restaurants

• Free onboard Wi-Fi and movies

• Private cabins

• Free family-friendly movies on Feronia.

• Airpoints Dollars accepted.

• Dog-friendly cabins

Booking your ticket

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.

Should you travel with or without a vehicle?

• Walk-on passengers: The cheapest and most convenient option. Many rental companies allow you to drop off your car at one terminal and pick up another at the other end. You’ll need to check in 30 minutes before departure.
• With a vehicle: To take your vehicle on a ferry during peak season, book at least two weeks ahead. This applies from Christmas to the end of January during the busiest summer days. These crossings fill up quickly. Check-in one hour before departure.

How long does it take to cross the Cook Strait by ferry?

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.

What you’ll see during the crossing

Whether you’re leaving from Wellington or Picton, you’ll see some of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery.

• Wellington Harbour: The trip offers fantastic views of New Zealand’s iconic capital. You'll see beautiful buildings and sculptures, and the Carter Fountain in Oriental Bay.
• Cook Strait: Crossing the Strait, you might spot seals around the coast of Wellington and Picton, albatrosses, and dolphins. Dolphins are especially common in the waters of the Marlborough Sounds.
• Marlborough Sounds: The final hour of your trip passes through calm waters, revealing lush green hills, stunning inlets, isolated islands, and golden sandy beaches.
• Queen Charlotte Sound: Feast your eyes on orcas, penguins, dolphins, and the famous Queen Charlotte Track.
• Dieffenbach Point: A stunning landmark with a power station perched on rocky outcrops.

How to prepare for your ferry crossing

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

Which mode of transport is right for me?

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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