| Time | | | | The only other major inter-island ferry is |
| | | | the Bluebridge ferry (aka Straits Shipping). |
| The 92km takes about 3 hours by a normal | | | | They have slightly cheaper prices, but far |
| inter-island ferry from either Wellington on | | | | less sailings. |
| the North Island or Picton on the South | | | | |
| Island. There are sometimes "fast" ferries | | | | The Journey |
| during the peak season, but these have speed | | | | |
| restrictions on them for most of the journey, | | | | The trip can be a bit rough with the ships |
| through the Marlborough Sounds. The fast | | | | sometimes experiencing 7 metre swells. The |
| ferry would take around half an hour off the | | | | ships are very sturdy and New Zealand safety |
| trip. You could also take a short plane trip | | | | standards are very high. If the conditions |
| from Nelson or Blenheim at around $90 one | | | | are deemed to be dangerous to passengers or |
| way. | | | | cause damage to ships, sailings will be |
| | | | cancelled. If you have a tendency to get |
| Ferry prices. | | | | travel sick it would be advisable to take |
| | | | your travel sick pills or use whatever other |
| There are many websites that sell Interisland | | | | techniques you use to prevent travel |
| ferry tickets. You must book during peak | | | | sickness. |
| season, between December and the end of | | | | |
| February. Booking during the winter is not | | | | Ferries between the North and South Islands |
| really needed and there are plenty of | | | | are common and catching one is easy. Check in |
| sailings all year round (up to 5 a day during | | | | ½ an hour before sailing if you are |
| peak season, if weather permits). The | | | | travelling without a vehicle, and 1 hour if |
| Interisland ferry costs around $60 for a | | | | you are travelling with a vehicle. |
| return pedestrian and around $185 for a | | | | |
| person and car return (prices go up for | | | | Take a look at both the Interislander and |
| campervans). Keep an eye out, as the | | | | Bluebridge to see which company offers the |
| Interislander line often offer specials. | | | | best package for you. |