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Cross Cook Strait on a Bluebridge ferry and enjoy some real Kiwi hospitality. We carry passengers and vehicles between Wellington and Picton up to four times daily and offer a range of fares to suit your budget.
For travelling between New Zealand’s North and South Islands you can’t beat a Bluebridge ferry. Unwind in comfort and enjoy the dramatic scenery as you sail between Wellington and Picton.
On-board you'll find a full cafe-style menu, premium L'affare coffee and award-winning Marlborough wines.
And if you can take your eyes off the views, kick back with free WiFi, free movies and play areas for the kids. The Bluebridge journey takes just over three hours. So what are you waiting for? Book your Cook Strait ferry now and come on over!
Feature | Value | Info |
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Organisation |
Bluebridge Cook Strait FerryCommercial organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Wellington Region ▷ Wellington |
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Categories |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Directions Wellington Office |
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Directions Picton Office |
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Coordinates |
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Websites |
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Social Links |
Good trip, saw some dolphins!
Cross the sea from North to South!
Expensive but good service.
Basic but pleasant.
Reliable and comfortable.
Rating | Count | Percentage | |
---|---|---|---|
10/10 | 34 |
|
15% |
9/10 | 29 |
|
13% |
8/10 | 64 |
|
28% |
7/10 | 54 |
|
24% |
6/10 | 17 |
|
8% |
5/10 | 6 |
|
3% |
4/10 | 5 |
|
2% |
3/10 | 5 |
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2% |
2/10 | 3 |
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1% |
1/10 | 8 |
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4% |
5.0/5
Excellent.
Accommodated our housetruck towing car perfectly.
Couldn't have gone smoother.
Good cooked breakfast at reasonable prices.
The wifi was basicly non existent so partner couldn't work until we got phone reception to Hotspot. (Which was most of the journey up on top viewing deck) But that's not stopping me leaving a 10/10 review. Tbankyoh bluebridge 100% will travel with you again. These other people seem to forget how privileged we have it in nz.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
Customer
1.5/5
We booked our ride weeks in advance.
Wellington to Picton
We booked an 8:15 - 11:45 ferry.
Imagine our shock then that they delayed our trip by 5.5 hours the evening before due to "heavy loads", which sounds a lot like "overbooked". We spent $750 for two vehicles and a cabin.
We are traveling to invercargill and had three chrckpoints along the way. The delay put us ar arriving at our third checkpoint at 11pm. We were originally scheduled to arrive at 6pm.
We could have tolerated a 3hr delay, but a 5hr delay made us all exceptionally tired by the time we arrived. Seeing as we were booked weeks in advance it doesn't seem right our transport would be pushed back so they could accommodate newer bookings.
We have pets, we told them several times but they failed to record the information in our booking. We emailed them as soon as the booking was made, we received no response. I called them and they told me to tell them at check in. We told them again at check in but again they failed to record it.
Having pets puts you in a special covered lane. While we were eventually put there we were almost not, except i asked again at boarding. As we were boarding i told them we have pets, they acted surprised and told us we should have told them sooner.
They don't answer their phone when you really need them. When we were notified of the delay we were provided an 0800 number to call to discuss alternatives. We tried calling numerous times and were placed on hold a exceptionally long time. Each time the line disconnected without an answer but only after we had waited on hold for 20 minutes and longer. We tried calling at least five times and were disconnected every time before anyone could answer.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
Being left to board my vehicle for 45 minutes in the rain while others who just arrived are getting processed already.
Using a different ferry service next trip
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
Completely hopeless, paid cash to book at an I-site, got a text 2 days later saying it was cancelled due to staff shortages.
New Zealand can barely run a decent ferry, train or bus service anymore, it’s embarrassing.
Tried to call the customer service number but it just hangs up after 2 rings. To be fair, Interislander is just as unreliable, so it’s just a kiwi thing these days, nobody really cares, and why should they?
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Customer
5.0/5
Once again chose Bluebridge for our annual return motorhome crossing.
Thanks for discount for NZMCA members - much appreciated. Staff fabulous, keeping us informed of short delay due to Gale warning in force - priority being our comfort and safety. Another emjoyable trip with minimal adverse conditions in strait. Great facilities/catering. Thanks heaps folks. See you again next year.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
Customer
5.0/5
Fantastic service!
All of their staff go out of their way to be helpful with unusual requests. For example our poorly packaged box of German beer was cheerfully repackaged and transported as checked luggage undamaged with a good few jokes about how many would be left by the time we arrived in Wellys! Always enjoy the low key, relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. Well done Bluebridge!
Reviewed over 5 years ago
Customer
4.5/5
Comfortable, on time, free WiFi, expensive food and drink in the cafe.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
Customer
4.0/5
Cheaper than others, good trip and scenery, decent food.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
Customer
5.0/5
The facilities on board were fantastic - the movie room played up to date films and the cafe had a great selection of food for vegetarians.
The staff were super friendly and even gave me a free portion of chips!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
4.0/5
Easy to book, punctual, vessel clean and food reasonably priced.
Downside is it is not well signposted in Wellington and disembarking the vehicle was somewhat disorganised.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
5.0/5
Excellent.
Accommodated our housetruck towing car perfectly.
Couldn't have gone smoother.
Good cooked breakfast at reasonable prices.
The wifi was basicly non existent so partner couldn't work until we got phone reception to Hotspot. (Which was most of the journey up on top viewing deck) But that's not stopping me leaving a 10/10 review. Tbankyoh bluebridge 100% will travel with you again. These other people seem to forget how privileged we have it in nz.
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
Being left to board my vehicle for 45 minutes in the rain while others who just arrived are getting processed already.
Using a different ferry service next trip
Reviewed almost 2 years ago
Customer
1.5/5
We booked our ride weeks in advance.
Wellington to Picton
We booked an 8:15 - 11:45 ferry.
Imagine our shock then that they delayed our trip by 5.5 hours the evening before due to "heavy loads", which sounds a lot like "overbooked". We spent $750 for two vehicles and a cabin.
We are traveling to invercargill and had three chrckpoints along the way. The delay put us ar arriving at our third checkpoint at 11pm. We were originally scheduled to arrive at 6pm.
We could have tolerated a 3hr delay, but a 5hr delay made us all exceptionally tired by the time we arrived. Seeing as we were booked weeks in advance it doesn't seem right our transport would be pushed back so they could accommodate newer bookings.
We have pets, we told them several times but they failed to record the information in our booking. We emailed them as soon as the booking was made, we received no response. I called them and they told me to tell them at check in. We told them again at check in but again they failed to record it.
Having pets puts you in a special covered lane. While we were eventually put there we were almost not, except i asked again at boarding. As we were boarding i told them we have pets, they acted surprised and told us we should have told them sooner.
They don't answer their phone when you really need them. When we were notified of the delay we were provided an 0800 number to call to discuss alternatives. We tried calling numerous times and were placed on hold a exceptionally long time. Each time the line disconnected without an answer but only after we had waited on hold for 20 minutes and longer. We tried calling at least five times and were disconnected every time before anyone could answer.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
Completely hopeless, paid cash to book at an I-site, got a text 2 days later saying it was cancelled due to staff shortages.
New Zealand can barely run a decent ferry, train or bus service anymore, it’s embarrassing.
Tried to call the customer service number but it just hangs up after 2 rings. To be fair, Interislander is just as unreliable, so it’s just a kiwi thing these days, nobody really cares, and why should they?
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
Two days before my crossing, I received an email saying it had been cancelled because of « crew shortage ».
Was told to rebook on the website, which had been disabled by administration. Spent two hours on the phone so they could tell me they could only rebook me on the 2:00AM ferry (my original crossing was at 8:15AM). Got absolutely no compensation for the trouble, not even a cabin so I could sleep. The seats were comfortable but the whole ship smelled like a dirty bathroom. It was cheaper than the other company, is about the only positive thing I can say
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Customer
2.0/5
They are consistently late and the wifi sucks.
It isnt anywhere close to being as good as they advertise it to be.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Customer
2.5/5
After a 2 hour road trip we arrived at bluebridge to check in at 6.00am for an 8.15 departure to be told the trip had been cancelled!!!!
This was very frustrating and there were a lot of angry people. If bluebridge are going to cancel sailings at least have the curtesy to inform those travelling. We have at times had our sailings delayed, with only an hours notice but to cancel indicates a lack of competency and poor management. Lucky for us we got on the interislander.
Reviewed about 2 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
Thought we try Bluebridge for a change, what a huge mistake, 45 minutes late leaving first time, now for our return, still waiting to board, 2pm now, should have left at 2pm.
DON'T USE THIS FERRY, SO UNRELIABLE.
Reviewed over 2 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
This ferry company is a bloody joke.
Very unreliable. The staff on the straitsman need some customer service training still act like they are at school.
They all stand around the counter talking an not willing to acknowledge customers.
Reviewed about 3 years ago
Customer
1.5/5
Haven't even departed from Picton and it's crap.
Entry blocked for 20 mins by trucks..staff unable to direct traffic ..bit of a shambles..likely to be late sailing..again.
Stuffs all yr plans
Reviewed about 3 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
Unprofessional front staff at check in counter.
Unacceptable
Rude
If you don't enjoy your job, it would be best to find another field.
Our experience from "Picton" was diabolical.
Reviewed over 3 years ago
Customer
5.0/5
Once again chose Bluebridge for our annual return motorhome crossing.
Thanks for discount for NZMCA members - much appreciated. Staff fabulous, keeping us informed of short delay due to Gale warning in force - priority being our comfort and safety. Another emjoyable trip with minimal adverse conditions in strait. Great facilities/catering. Thanks heaps folks. See you again next year.
Reviewed over 5 years ago
Customer
5.0/5
Fantastic service!
All of their staff go out of their way to be helpful with unusual requests. For example our poorly packaged box of German beer was cheerfully repackaged and transported as checked luggage undamaged with a good few jokes about how many would be left by the time we arrived in Wellys! Always enjoy the low key, relaxed atmosphere and friendly staff. Well done Bluebridge!
Reviewed over 5 years ago
Customer
1.5/5
Communication poor.
Boat very late. 3rd world effort by bluebridge. Not sure why I use this company and everyone else should think about this as well
Reviewed over 5 years ago
Customer
2.0/5
We double checked 3 times about the time when we need to be there for check in.
By foot, we have been told from Interislander, Bluebridge and the I site to be there by 6.50 am
Then when realising there is no bus coming anytime soon , departing from their terminal.
That woman told us it departs like 7.30!-am!!
Well it would have been grand to get a wee bit more sleep that time a day!
Reviewed almost 7 years ago
Customer
4.0/5
Cheaper than others, good trip and scenery, decent food.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
Customer
4.5/5
Comfortable, on time, free WiFi, expensive food and drink in the cafe.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
Customer
0.5/5
I sailed Bluebridge from Wellington to Picton at 8am last Saturday morning.
I thought I would buy myself a chicken panini for breakfast. As I was eating it I bit into a number of chicken bones, hurting my teeth. As a lady working on the boat, Elizabeth Packman, came to take my plate I let her know I had found bones in my chicken. She was very sarcastic and rude to me. She said in a sarcastic tone "Aw, do you not like bones with your chicken? I'm a vegan so..." and grabbed my plate and walked off before I could reply. It was then later on that I found out she was the manager. I am very disgusted in the way she spoke to me. I was not complaining, I was informing her so she could tell the kitchen and ensure no one else is served chicken bones. If this how you treat your customers who have paid a lot of money to sail with you then I will not be sailing with Bluebridge again.
Reviewed about 7 years ago
Customer
5.0/5
The facilities on board were fantastic - the movie room played up to date films and the cafe had a great selection of food for vegetarians.
The staff were super friendly and even gave me a free portion of chips!
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
4.0/5
Easy to book, punctual, vessel clean and food reasonably priced.
Downside is it is not well signposted in Wellington and disembarking the vehicle was somewhat disorganised.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
4.0/5
On schedule, friendly, free WiFi.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
4.5/5
Very nice people at the desk.
They gave us helpful information for staying over the night. We had an early ferry. Nice fare, good WiFi. Beautiful view arriving in Picton.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
2.5/5
The price is very expensive, there looks like there is no competition between the two companies.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
3.5/5
Check in was straight forward.
Not too many people on the boat so it was quiet. The bar is not open on the 8:45pm ride and I think it should have been.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
2.0/5
For $225 we (2 people) travelled to the South Island with our car.
I think it is really expensive, because you get nothing more than a seat and bad internet.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
3.5/5
Cheap and convenient transport option across the Cook Strait.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
4.0/5
Clean, good food, happy staff, quick service.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
3.5/5
Nice and clean.
Amazing nachos! Could have had more choice of films. Smooth crossing.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in January 2017
Customer
3.5/5
Not cheap but really the only option for cruising between the islands.
Easy to book.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
Customer
4.0/5
Good, easy service.
Reviewed over 7 years ago and experienced in December 2016
Customer