Cook Strait Ferries Megathread

**Stylo** · 28th June 2010, 20:49

Originally Posted by duckonin

Welly to Bombay, allow 8 1/2 -9 hours that would include two small stops on the way up for a snack.

Just under 700kms, should'nt be a problem .........gonna be a longish day on the 'Busa ....look fwd to the ride, cheers

**dogsnbikes** · 28th June 2010, 21:09

Originally Posted by Stylo

Late reply and thanks for the input, I'll take a couple of tie-downs ( is that enough? ) and we've booked into a Motel in Tawa . Ferrys scheduled for a 9.15pm arrival so....

work on a couple of tie-downs ,but if the weather is looking like shite take an extra for the arse end,also if you don't have one get a (oxford)handlebar bra it will keep the tiedowns of the Busa farings.......

**dogsnbikes** · 28th June 2010, 21:13

Originally Posted by sefer

^^ cabins are for truckies only. They use to leave them open, so it was possible to use them if not occupied, but in Dec when I came down they had started locking them.

Yes that is the case we do lock the truckies cabin's,but if your sailing on the Monte Stella your welcome too use the cabins in the same area that don't have door's......

**supremacy** · 1st October 2010, 10:50

Im heading down to the south island via the interislander ferry. Are these safe to transport bikes? Do they have straps etc?

May be silly questions but just want to check if I need to know anything before committing

**dogsnbikes** · 1st October 2010, 11:17

Originally Posted by supremacy

Im heading down to the south island via the interislander ferry. Are these safe to transport bikes? Do they have straps etc?

May be silly questions but just want to check if I need to know anything before committing

Always pays to take own tiedowns,and yes the ships are safe to transport your bike.any questions just ask an crew member ...which ferry are you booked on?

**supremacy** · 1st October 2010, 11:22

Haven't booked yet but will probably go Bluebridge.

Is there a 'best way' to tie down a bike?

**dogsnbikes** · 1st October 2010, 11:26

Originally Posted by supremacy

Haven't booked yet but will probably go Bluebridge.

Is there a 'best way' to tie down a bike?

Yes Go Bluebridge the crew will look after you?and will ensure your bike is secured thought the crossing....and there is no problems leaving your gear with your bike

**Quasi** · 1st October 2010, 11:32

yep - he said - take your own tie downs. apart from that its a breeze

**Gremlin** · 1st October 2010, 11:43

kb has threads already, do a search and read away...

**spajohn** · 1st October 2010, 12:30

Originally Posted by supremacy

Haven't booked yet but will probably go Bluebridge.

Is there a 'best way' to tie down a bike?

Get in place, put it in gear, blocks front and rear if poss (you want to make sure it won't roll forward or back - if there are not enough blocks try and anchor it with a tie down instead), tension the straps so there is no weight on your side stand. Job done.

At least take a couple of tie downs...they do have them, but often run out or you will only have a couple, when three or four is ideal.

**Grubber** · 1st October 2010, 12:36

Blue bridge rocks.
they have tie downs but aren't that easy to use for a noobie.
Take a couple of good ones of your own and lock it in gear then tie front fork to the side stand lightly then the off side put a bit more pressure on till they both tight. JOB DONE!

**Tryhard** · 1st October 2010, 14:16

Originally Posted by Gremlin

kb has threads already, do a search and read away...

Who said records are dead! or broken LOL

**trustme** · 31st December 2010, 07:03

The wife & I are heading south in a couple of weeks. She will be on her nice shiny new Bonneville. Which ferry would be the easiest & least intimidating for her to ride on & off.???
I've used the rail ferries a fair bit mainly in trucks & the Bluebridge boat once but cant remember much about it

**sinfull** · 31st December 2010, 07:20

Originally Posted by trustme

The wife & I are heading south in a couple of weeks. She will be on her nice shiny new Bonneville. Which ferry would be the easiest & least intimidating for her to ride on & off.???
I've used the rail ferries a fair bit mainly in trucks & the Bluebridge boat once but cant remember much about it

Much of a muchness re the intimidating bit, neither are that scary, 2 weeks time the thing to worry about would be which one you'll get a booking on !

**junkmanjoe** · 31st December 2010, 16:40

Originally Posted by dogsnbikes

Depends on when in January Mike.....As I work for Bluebridge I can tell you that up until about the 13/14th of January most of our sailings are rather full although we do put on extra sailings over that busy period..

but being on a bike your chances are rather high and you don't have to worry about the peak season price hike either.....

dont offer kiwibiker discounts do ya heading south end of jan...

JMJ