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New Zealand FerriesInfo on Cook Strait ferry services,water taxis, and day ferry trips!New Zealand Ferries are an integral link between the North and South Islands of New Zealand.If you are not flying you will have to use the ferry either as a walk on walk off passenger, drive on-drive off in either a campervan, car, bus,(tours) motorbike or cycle. Bookings are required to ensure you can travel on the ferry you prefer as especially in summer and New Zealand holidays, the ferries can be heavily booked. My advice is book well in advance for the cheapest fares.There can be no guarantee of getting on a ferry if you just arrive, although for many people this will work if they have some flexibilty re sailing times. The InterIslander or Blue bridge Cook Strait ferry,are the two main ferry companies.The InterIslander would be the major one with 3 vessels - • Arahura • Aratere • Kaitaiki - the largest ferry in New Zealand waters taking 1600 passengers
BOOKING ON NEW ZEALAND FERRIES NOTEI am writing this first as I personally think it is a major consideration.The 92 kilometre, 3 hour trip from Wellington to Picton across Cook Strait would be one of the most scenic ferry trips ,in New Zealand or anywhere internationally .The Marlborough Sounds being truly beautiful fiords. Choose a day sailing so you don't miss the view if you can. Internet bookings will be cheaper fares but you can also book by phone 0800 802 802 ( from within New Zealand) +64 4 498 3302 ( international calls) The Call centre is open Monday- Friday 8.00am-8.00pm Saturday-Sunday 8.00am-6.00pm Fare Structure for Interislander BOOKING YOUR FERRY FROM OUTSIDE NEW ZEALAND: Because they know many tourists may need to change bookings at any time the only fare offered is the EASY CHANGE FARE which is the most flexible and allows you to change right up to book in. FERRY BOOKINGS MADE FROM IN NEW ZEALAND • Saver Change Fares- mid range fares - 50% cancellation fee - more passengers in this category • Web Save Fares-/i> Cheapest but non refundable • Kaitiaki Plus Fare-/i> gives purchasers access to a Premium Lounge with free food and drinks. • All fares can be rescheduled but you need to give notice prior to checking in. • You are charged for your vehicle plus each passenger. • Senior cizens Discount only applies to New Zealand citizen • Tertiary Students Discount only applies to New Zealand citizens. • Groups of 10 or more can apply fpr discounts. • Peak Season is early November to late April
WARNING ABOUT RENTAL VEHICLES ON THE INTERISLAND FERRY You need to check with your rental car or campervan company as to whether they allow their vehicles to be transported across Cook Straight on the Interislander. Some of the bigger companies, especially with rental cars, do n't. • Hertz, • Avis, • Budget, • Thrifty • National - at the time of writing do not. They may have changed their RENTAL CARS and CAMPERVAN/MOTORHOME COMPANIES THAT ALLOW THEIR VEHICLES ON THE FERRIES RENTAL CARS • Apex Rental Cars • Jucy Rental Cars• Maui Rentals• Nationwide Rental Cars• About New Zealand Rental Cars• Ace Rental Cars CAMPERVANS/MOTORHOMES • Apollo • Britz• Kea• Maui• Pacific Horizon• United• Bed Mobile• Jucy
NEW ZEALAND FERRIES AROUND THE COUNTRY Fullers Ferries are the main service in Auckand with ferry services from the central city to several North Shore destinations, to Half Moon Bay east of the city and to the many Hauraki Gulf Islands. They also do a range of day tours and Harbour Cruises. Other New Zealand ferry services in Auckland are • 360 Discovery Auckland which are high speed catamarans • Reubens's Water Taxi's - which go to Kawau Island • Fullers also operate the Paihia Island Shuttle on the Bay of Islands. Foveaux Strait Services • Stewart Island Experiences and • Stewart Island Ferry Services cross Foveaux Strait from Bluff to Stewart Island.This is a one hour trip.
WATER TAXIS • Abel Tasman Aqua Taxis goes from Nelson to the Abel Tasman National Park • Abel Tasman Sea Shuttles also go to Abel Tasman National Park. • Arrow Water taxis are for hikers, bikers holiday makers etc in Marlborough Sounds • Endeavour Express - Marlborough Sounds
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