Most New Zealand campervan trips cover both islands, and that means a ferry across Cook Strait. The crossing between Wellington and Picton is a highlight in its own right, and taking your campervan with you is straightforward once you know how it works.
Here's how the Cook Strait ferry works with a campervan, how fares are worked out, when to book and how to fit the crossing into your trip.
The Cook Strait ferry at a glance
- Route: Wellington, at the bottom of the North Island, to Picton, at the top of the South Island
- Operators: Interislander and Bluebridge
- Crossing time: about three and a half hours, according to Tourism New Zealand
- Vehicles: cars, vans and campervans are carried on every Interislander crossing
The last part of the trip runs through the Marlborough Sounds. On a clear day, the views from the top deck are some of the best in the country.
Can you take a hire campervan on the ferry?
Yes. New Zealand campervan hire companies expect you to take their vans across, and some can add the ferry to your booking. When you book your campervan with us, ask us about ferry options for your dates.
It's still worth confirming with your hire company, especially if you're picking up on one island and dropping off on the other.
How campervan ferry fares work
Vehicle fares are based on the type and length of the vehicle. On Interislander, vehicles up to 5.5 metres pay the standard rate for their type, and longer vehicles pay extra for each additional 500 mm.
- Compact campervans under 5.5 metres are the cheapest to take across.
- Larger motorhomes cost noticeably more.
- Fares are higher over summer, roughly December to March.
Fares differ between Interislander and Bluebridge, so it's worth comparing both for your date.
Booking and check-in tips
- Book ahead from November to March, when sailings fill up.
- Arrive at vehicle check-in at least 60 minutes before departure for Interislander.
- Have your booking reference and photo ID ready.
- In Wellington, follow the signs to the vehicle entrance at the ferry terminal. In Picton, vehicle check-in for Interislander is on Lagoon Road.
- Pack a day bag. You won't be able to go back to the van during the crossing.
Timetables and ships change from time to time, so check the operator's website for the current schedule when you book.
Plan the crossing as its own day
With check-in, the crossing and getting off the ship, the ferry takes up most of a day. Tourism New Zealand suggests treating it as a separate travel day in your itinerary. Spending the night before in or near Wellington, or the night after near Picton, takes the stress out of it.
North to south
Arrive in Picton and you're close to the Marlborough wine region, Abel Tasman National Park and the road down the east coast to Kaikoura and Christchurch.
South to north
Arrive in Wellington and you can explore the capital before heading up to Taupo, Rotorua and Auckland.
North Island campervan itinerary→South Island campervan itinerary→Ferry or two campervans?
Some travellers fly between islands and hire a different campervan on each side. That can work if you're short on time, but you'll pay two lots of hire costs and lose time collecting and returning vans. For most trips, taking one campervan across on the ferry is simpler.
The best road trips in New Zealand→Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the ferry from Wellington to Picton?
About three and a half hours.
Can I take a rental campervan on the Interislander?
Yes. Rental campervans can travel on the Interislander and Bluebridge ferries, and some hire companies can add the crossing to your booking.
How much does it cost to take a campervan on the ferry?
It depends on the operator, season and the length of your vehicle. Vehicles over 5.5 metres pay extra, and summer fares are higher.
Do I need to book the ferry in advance?
It's strongly recommended, especially between November and March.
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