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New Zealand's two main islands are 3.5 hours apart by sea, and the only way to travel between them with a campervan is on the Cook Strait ferry. The good news is that taking a campervan on the ferry is easier than it might seem. Choose the right vehicle length, make sure you arrive an hour early, and the crew will guide you throughout the boarding process. See how much the crossing costs and know where you can stay at either end during your campervan ferry New Zealand trip. |
Quick SummaryYes, you can take a hire campervan on the Cook Strait ferry, and all three Big Little Campers vans can make the crossing on either operator. Interislander and Bluebridge both carry campervans between Wellington and Picton on a 3.5-hour crossing that finishes through Queen Charlotte Sound, with fares priced by vehicle length and season. The cost for a one-way campervan of up to 6 m and two adults may be anywhere between NZ$415 and NZ$560. Having a longer van may cost more. Cost may also vary depending on the operator and the season when you travel. A strict vehicle check an hour before departure is strictly enforced in both Wellington and Picton. Be sure to pack a day bag with warm layers and bring some snacks as well. It's best to book early if you're looking forward to travelling during peak seasons around 15 December and 31 January. Vehicle deck room tends to sell out first during this period. You may also need to plan your first South Island night at a holiday park since freedom camping is not allowed in Picton's town proper. There are options such as a DOC campsite in Charlotte Sound or a self-contained site near Blenheim about 28 km south. |
Can You Take a Hire Campervan on the Cook Strait Ferry?The straight answer is yes, and doing so is quite an experience in itself. Interislander lets campervan rentals from any company travel on its ferries, though it asks you to check your hire terms first. Bluebridge also carries campervans, with its own campervan and motorhome vehicle categories. You can book directly with Interislander or Bluebridge. Just be sure to declare the correct van length and height. |
How Much Does the Cook Strait Ferry Cost with a Campervan?A one-way crossing for a campervan (up to 6m) and two adults costs about NZ $415 to NZ $560 on a flexible fare. Each extra adult adds around NZ $80 to NZ $85 on Bluebridge, or NZ $90 to NZ $100 on Interislander. Published 2026-27 fares put a combination fare at $415 during off-peak and $450 NZD during on-peak times on Bluebridge, and NZ$415 and NZ$560 on Interislander. Neither operator publishes a fixed public price for campervans. Fares shift with vehicle length, season, fare type, and how early you book. Length makes the biggest difference. Both operators charge more for longer vehicles, and each passenger pays a separate fare on top of the van. Measure everything, bike rack included. If your van turns up longer than booked, Interislander can charge the extra length at check-in. |
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Here's what to enter for each BLC van:
Both operators charge peak fares from 15 December to 31 January, which this summer means 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Travelling either side of that window is usually cheaper, and the passenger decks are quieter. Book your campervan hire with Big Little Campers, and we'll give you a 10% discount code for Bluebridge. |
Interislander vs Bluebridge: Which Ferry Suits a Campervan?Both ferries take about 3.5 hours, so the best pick is usually the sailing time that fits your driving day. Beyond that, the difference is largely preference and what's on offer.
An early sailing gets you into Picton with daylight to find a campsite, or time for a wander through the Marlborough wine region. A cabin or quiet lounge helps after an early start. |
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How Does the Crossing Work with a Campervan?You drive on, park where the crew directs you, and head upstairs for the 3.5-hour sailing. Interislander's vehicle check-in guide says check-in closes 60 minutes before departure, after which you stay with your van in the boarding yard. Before you drive on:
When the ferry docks, drivers are called back to the vehicle deck and the crew directs you off. Heading south, the last hour of the sailing runs through Queen Charlotte Sound, so it's worth being on deck for the arrival. |
North Island to South Island: Where Does the Ferry Fit Your Route?The ferry links Wellington, at the bottom of the North Island, with Picton at the top of the South Island. Any North Island to South Island campervan trip, or vice versa, passes through both towns, and one-way hire saves you crossing twice. Driving down from Auckland to Wellington takes a full day, so it's worth splitting into two or three stages. Freedom camping near the Wellington ferry is limited, and Evans Bay Marina carpark is the main self-contained site, with a four-night monthly limit. If you're weighing up where to spend more time, our North Island vs South Island comparison sets out how the two differ. Pick up your van at our Christchurch depot and the ferry is an easy day's drive north. The Christchurch to Picton road trip is about 336 km up the east coast on State Highway 1 and takes around 4.5 hours without stops. North of Kaikōura, it's one of the South Island's classic coastal routes, with open roads running between the mountains and the sea. Kaikōura sits roughly 2.5 hours north of Christchurch, and a night at the Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park breaks the drive with time for whale watching or a coastal walk. For an early sailing, get to Picton the evening before rather than driving up the same morning. |
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Where Can You Camp Near Picton?Camping in Picton, New Zealand, means a holiday park or a paid campground, because freedom camping in town isn't permitted. Picton's holiday parks sit a few minutes from the ferry terminal, with powered sites and hot showers before an early sailing. Camping near Picton, New Zealand. Marlborough District Council lists its responsible camping sites, all for certified self-contained vehicles only. The closest to the ferry are around Blenheim, about 28 km south. The temporary area at Wairau Diversion allows two nights, and the Wynen Street carpark in Blenheim allows two nights between 6 pm and 9 am. Camping outside permitted sites carries an infringement fee of $400 or more. For a night on the water, the DOC Momorangi campsite is 13 km along Queen Charlotte Drive. DOC notes it doesn't suit ferry arrivals after 8 pm or departures before 7 am. For those, it suggests Whatamango, 15 minutes from the Picton terminal. Landing with time to spare? The Queen Charlotte Track runs 73 km through the Marlborough Sounds. Its walking tracks double as mountain biking trails, and one-day and short walking sections fit easily into your first afternoon. Every BLC van is certified self-contained, so these council sites are open to you. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow far is it from Christchurch to Picton, and how long is the drive?About 336 km, or around 4.5 hours on State Highway 1 without stops. Many travellers break it up with a night in Kaikōura. Where can I park my campervan in Picton?At a Picton holiday park or a paid campground. Freedom camping in Picton isn't permitted, so self-contained vans usually head to the council sites around Blenheim, about 30 minutes south. |
ReferencesDepartment of Conservation. (n.d.). Momorangi conservation campsite: Queen Charlotte Sound area, Marlborough region. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/queen-charlotte-sound-totaranui-area/things-to-do/campsites/momorangi-campsite/ Interislander. (n.d.). Wellington vehicle check-in. https://www.interislander.co.nz/plan/kaiwharawhara-wellington-terminal-vehicle-check-in Marlborough District Council. (2026, June 16). Camping in Marlborough. https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/recreation/responsible-camping/camping-in-marlborough Wendekreisen Travel. (2026a). Bluebridge ferry ticket prices Wellington to Picton. https://www.ferrynewzealand.com/ferry/bb-tickets.asp Wendekreisen Travel. (2026b). Interislander ferry ticket prices Wellington to Picton. https://www.ferrynewzealand.com/ferry/tickets.asp |
Ready to Plan Your Cook Strait Crossing?
The campervan ferry in New Zealand is 3.5 hours of your trip that runs itself, as long as the booking details are right. Choose a sailing that suits your driving day and book early for summer. Then sort your first night on the other side before you land.
We're travellers ourselves, and we're happy to help you line the ferry up with your route.
Book your van, and take a look at The Big One if you want standing room in a van under 5 metres long, or talk to our team about the best sailing for your trip.
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New Zealand's two main islands are 3.5 hours apart by sea, and the only way to travel between them with a campervan is on the Cook Strait ferry. The good news is that taking a campervan on the ferry is easier than it might seem. Choose the right vehicle length, make sure you arrive an hour early, and the crew will guide you throughout the boarding process. See how much the crossing costs and know where you can stay at either end during your campervan ferry New Zealand trip. |
Quick SummaryYes, you can take a hire campervan on the Cook Strait ferry, and all three Big Little Campers vans can make the crossing on either operator. Interislander and Bluebridge both carry campervans between Wellington and Picton on a 3.5-hour crossing that finishes through Queen Charlotte Sound, with fares priced by vehicle length and season. The cost for a one-way campervan of up to 6 m and two adults may be anywhere between NZ$415 and NZ$560. Having a longer van may cost more. Cost may also vary depending on the operator and the season when you travel. A strict vehicle check an hour before departure is strictly enforced in both Wellington and Picton. Be sure to pack a day bag with warm layers and bring some snacks as well. It's best to book early if you're looking forward to travelling during peak seasons around 15 December and 31 January. Vehicle deck room tends to sell out first during this period. You may also need to plan your first South Island night at a holiday park since freedom camping is not allowed in Picton's town proper. There are options such as a DOC campsite in Charlotte Sound or a self-contained site near Blenheim about 28 km south. |
Can You Take a Hire Campervan on the Cook Strait Ferry?The straight answer is yes, and doing so is quite an experience in itself. Interislander lets campervan rentals from any company travel on its ferries, though it asks you to check your hire terms first. Bluebridge also carries campervans, with its own campervan and motorhome vehicle categories. You can book directly with Interislander or Bluebridge. Just be sure to declare the correct van length and height. |
How Much Does the Cook Strait Ferry Cost with a Campervan?A one-way crossing for a campervan (up to 6m) and two adults costs about NZ $415 to NZ $560 on a flexible fare. Each extra adult adds around NZ $80 to NZ $85 on Bluebridge, or NZ $90 to NZ $100 on Interislander. Published 2026-27 fares put a combination fare at $415 during off-peak and $450 NZD during on-peak times on Bluebridge, and NZ$415 and NZ$560 on Interislander. Neither operator publishes a fixed public price for campervans. Fares shift with vehicle length, season, fare type, and how early you book. Length makes the biggest difference. Both operators charge more for longer vehicles, and each passenger pays a separate fare on top of the van. Measure everything, bike rack included. If your van turns up longer than booked, Interislander can charge the extra length at check-in. |
|
|
Here's what to enter for each BLC van:
Both operators charge peak fares from 15 December to 31 January, which this summer means 15 December 2026 to 31 January 2027. Travelling either side of that window is usually cheaper, and the passenger decks are quieter. Book your campervan hire with Big Little Campers, and we'll give you a 10% discount code for Bluebridge. |
Interislander vs Bluebridge: Which Ferry Suits a Campervan?Both ferries take about 3.5 hours, so the best pick is usually the sailing time that fits your driving day. Beyond that, the difference is largely preference and what's on offer.
An early sailing gets you into Picton with daylight to find a campsite, or time for a wander through the Marlborough wine region. A cabin or quiet lounge helps after an early start. |
|
|
How Does the Crossing Work with a Campervan?You drive on, park where the crew directs you, and head upstairs for the 3.5-hour sailing. Interislander's vehicle check-in guide says check-in closes 60 minutes before departure, after which you stay with your van in the boarding yard. Before you drive on:
When the ferry docks, drivers are called back to the vehicle deck and the crew directs you off. Heading south, the last hour of the sailing runs through Queen Charlotte Sound, so it's worth being on deck for the arrival. |
North Island to South Island: Where Does the Ferry Fit Your Route?The ferry links Wellington, at the bottom of the North Island, with Picton at the top of the South Island. Any North Island to South Island campervan trip, or vice versa, passes through both towns, and one-way hire saves you crossing twice. Driving down from Auckland to Wellington takes a full day, so it's worth splitting into two or three stages. Freedom camping near the Wellington ferry is limited, and Evans Bay Marina carpark is the main self-contained site, with a four-night monthly limit. If you're weighing up where to spend more time, our North Island vs South Island comparison sets out how the two differ. Pick up your van at our Christchurch depot and the ferry is an easy day's drive north. The Christchurch to Picton road trip is about 336 km up the east coast on State Highway 1 and takes around 4.5 hours without stops. North of Kaikōura, it's one of the South Island's classic coastal routes, with open roads running between the mountains and the sea. Kaikōura sits roughly 2.5 hours north of Christchurch, and a night at the Kaikōura TOP 10 Holiday Park breaks the drive with time for whale watching or a coastal walk. For an early sailing, get to Picton the evening before rather than driving up the same morning. |
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Where Can You Camp Near Picton?Camping in Picton, New Zealand, means a holiday park or a paid campground, because freedom camping in town isn't permitted. Picton's holiday parks sit a few minutes from the ferry terminal, with powered sites and hot showers before an early sailing. Camping near Picton, New Zealand. Marlborough District Council lists its responsible camping sites, all for certified self-contained vehicles only. The closest to the ferry are around Blenheim, about 28 km south. The temporary area at Wairau Diversion allows two nights, and the Wynen Street carpark in Blenheim allows two nights between 6 pm and 9 am. Camping outside permitted sites carries an infringement fee of $400 or more. For a night on the water, the DOC Momorangi campsite is 13 km along Queen Charlotte Drive. DOC notes it doesn't suit ferry arrivals after 8 pm or departures before 7 am. For those, it suggests Whatamango, 15 minutes from the Picton terminal. Landing with time to spare? The Queen Charlotte Track runs 73 km through the Marlborough Sounds. Its walking tracks double as mountain biking trails, and one-day and short walking sections fit easily into your first afternoon. Every BLC van is certified self-contained, so these council sites are open to you. |
Frequently Asked QuestionsHow far is it from Christchurch to Picton, and how long is the drive?About 336 km, or around 4.5 hours on State Highway 1 without stops. Many travellers break it up with a night in Kaikōura. Where can I park my campervan in Picton?At a Picton holiday park or a paid campground. Freedom camping in Picton isn't permitted, so self-contained vans usually head to the council sites around Blenheim, about 30 minutes south. |
ReferencesDepartment of Conservation. (n.d.). Momorangi conservation campsite: Queen Charlotte Sound area, Marlborough region. https://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/places-to-go/marlborough/places/queen-charlotte-sound-totaranui-area/things-to-do/campsites/momorangi-campsite/ Interislander. (n.d.). Wellington vehicle check-in. https://www.interislander.co.nz/plan/kaiwharawhara-wellington-terminal-vehicle-check-in Marlborough District Council. (2026, June 16). Camping in Marlborough. https://www.marlborough.govt.nz/recreation/responsible-camping/camping-in-marlborough Wendekreisen Travel. (2026a). Bluebridge ferry ticket prices Wellington to Picton. https://www.ferrynewzealand.com/ferry/bb-tickets.asp Wendekreisen Travel. (2026b). Interislander ferry ticket prices Wellington to Picton. https://www.ferrynewzealand.com/ferry/tickets.asp |
Ready to Plan Your Cook Strait Crossing?
The campervan ferry in New Zealand is 3.5 hours of your trip that runs itself, as long as the booking details are right. Choose a sailing that suits your driving day and book early for summer. Then sort your first night on the other side before you land.
We're travellers ourselves, and we're happy to help you line the ferry up with your route.
Book your van, and take a look at The Big One if you want standing room in a van under 5 metres long, or talk to our team about the best sailing for your trip.
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