Bus, Coach & Minibus Hire in New Zealand

Transport choices in New Zealand

The Cook Strait ferry route links Wellington in the North Island with Picton in the South Island, with services that can carry vehicles. A two-island itinerary must therefore account for the crossing as well as the road journey on each side. Tourism New Zealand’s ferry guide.

One island, two islands or a flight between them

State whether the group stays on one island or crosses between them. If a ferry or flight is booked, include the departure, arrival and check-in requirements, and ask whether the vehicle travels with the group or separate vehicles are proposed. Touring requests should list overnight bases and visitor stops instead of relying only on distances between cities.

For the local part of your request, explore Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.

Cook Strait passenger and vehicle check-in are different

Interislander publishes separate passenger-terminal and vehicle check-in instructions at Wellington and Picton. A group walking onto the ferry needs a different handover from a vehicle booked to travel aboard. State which arrangement is intended before the North Island and South Island road legs are quoted.

Provide the ferry operator, sailing date and terminal, then identify who books vehicle carriage if it is required. If separate vehicles are used, specify the luggage passengers take aboard and the confirmed meeting point after disembarkation. If the vehicle crosses, the itinerary must account for the relevant check-in and the driver’s duty. A ferry departure time alone is not the correct time to arrive at the port.

Interislander: passenger and vehicle check-in.

Include the Cook Strait connection in the quote

Give the ferry or flight details between islands and the hotel on either side. State whether a continuous vehicle is requested or separate vehicles can be assessed. List the touring stops and luggage so the vehicle duty and any overnight arrangements are clear.

Use coach-hire guidance for the road programme and the cost guide to compare inclusions. Confirm ferry booking responsibility, vehicle carriage, waiting and the precise road legs covered.