# Interislander vs Bluebridge: Which Cook Strait Ferry Should You Take? | Newzealand-Vacation
> Interislander or Bluebridge? A side-by-side comparison of New Zealand's two Cook Strait ferries — prices, crossing time, ships, campervan rules and which to pick.

*Source : https://newzealand-vacation.com/campervans-transport/interislander-vs-bluebridge/*

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Both ferries link Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) across Cook Strait. They cover the same water in a similar time — so the choice comes down to schedule, price, ship comfort and whether you’re bringing a vehicle.

## The quick answer

If you want **more daily sailings and slightly newer terminals**, lean **Interislander** (the KiwiRail-operated service). If you’re chasing the **lowest fare or a specific departure time**, check **Bluebridge** first — it’s often a touch cheaper and its terminal sits right in central Wellington. Prices move with demand, so always compare both for your exact date.

Interislander

Bluebridge

Operator

KiwiRail

StraitNZ

Crossing time

~3h 30m

~3h 30m

Sailings/day

More frequent

Fewer, often overnight option

Wellington terminal

Aotea Quay (shuttle)

Central, near the CBD

Best for

Flexibility, frequency

Budget fares, central pick-up

## Taking a campervan or car across

Both lines carry vehicles, and this is where booking early matters most. Vehicle space — especially for **campervans and motorhomes over 5.5 m** — sells out fast in summer. You pay per vehicle length plus per passenger, so a large motorhome costs significantly more than a compact camper. If you’re on a [relocation deal](https://newzealand-vacation.com/campervans-transport/relocation-deals/), confirm whether the crossing is included before you book.

## Which crossing is smoother?

Cook Strait has a reputation as one of the world’s more unpredictable stretches of water. On a calm day it’s a gentle, scenic cruise; in a southerly it can be rough on either ferry. The ship matters more than the brand here — check which vessel is scheduled and pack motion-sickness tablets if you’re sensitive. The final hour, winding through the **Marlborough Sounds** into Picton, is worth staying on deck for.

**Tiaki tip:** Book the daytime crossing at least once for the Marlborough Sounds scenery — one of the most beautiful legs of any New Zealand itinerary, and essentially free with your ferry ticket.

## FAQ

### Is Interislander or Bluebridge cheaper?

Bluebridge is often marginally cheaper, but both use demand-based pricing. For any given date, compare both — a well-timed Interislander sailing can undercut Bluebridge and vice versa.

### How early should I book the ferry with a campervan?

For summer (December–February), book vehicle space weeks ahead. Foot passengers have far more flexibility.

### Can I bring my rental across the strait?

Almost always yes, but confirm with your rental company — a few one-way and relocation contracts restrict which island you can take the vehicle to.

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