Travel Tips
Cook Strait Ferry with a Rental Car — Everything You Need to Know
Yes, you can take your rental car on the Cook Strait ferry. Here's exactly how to book it, what it costs, and the timing tricks that make the crossing part of the trip.
The Nomado Team · 13 July 2026 · 7 min read
Photo: Marek Ślusarczyk (Tupungato) Photo portfolio · CC BY 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
The short answer
Yes — all Nomado rentals are approved for both the Interislander and Bluebridge Cook Strait ferries. No extra paperwork, no permission form. Just book the crossing yourself.
Interislander vs Bluebridge
Both cross Wellington ↔ Picton in about 3 hr 30 min. Interislander runs slightly more sailings; Bluebridge is often $20–40 cheaper per car.
What it costs
Approximate 2026 fares for a standard car + 2 adults: - Off-peak: $220–260 one-way - Peak (Dec 20 – Jan 15, Easter): $320–400 one-way
Book 6–8 weeks ahead in summer or you'll pay peak fares even off-peak.
The best crossings
The 8:15 am and 2:15 pm sailings usually give you the best light through the Marlborough Sounds — one of the most spectacular 90 minutes of any NZ trip. Sit on the top deck starboard side (right, facing forward) heading south.
Timing your rental
If you're doing our 2-week Auckland → Christchurch itinerary, the ferry falls on Day 7. Arrive at the terminal 60 minutes before sailing. Nomado supports the ferry crossing at no extra charge.
What if I don't want to ferry the car?
You can drop your car with us in Wellington (contact us for arrangements) and pick up a different Nomado car in Picton — but 90% of travellers prefer the continuity of one vehicle.
Related reading
Book your NZ rental — pick up in Auckland, drop in Christchurch, we ferry-approve everything.
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