Cook Strait Ferries Megathread

[Paul in NZ]

I ride my bike. I always feel a little sad when I see a bike being hauled on a trailer or stuffed inside a van

Yes but occasionally they break or are unregistered trail bikes or race bikes or are non runners purchased of trade me....

[Gremlin]

So how about someone who has a decent camera, the next time they take their bike on the ferry, gets some photos of what they can expect to have to deal with. I know ,I know, why dont I do it myself but to be honest there have been a few times that I have thought of taking the crossing but when I have asked the guys at the terminal about what is provide and how its done etc etc, they have been somewhat vague.

Couple of pics in this blog: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/en...808-12-2011%29

As stated however, each boat varies. One of the Interislander boats has bike specific grooves near the bow and you face forward. One (yeah, I can never remember which is which) you usually park across the ship in the middle (shots in blog). Sometimes they run chains down to hook into, other times you go into the small D rings welded to the deck.

[jellywrestler]

Sometimes they run chains down to hook into, other times you go into the small D rings welded to the deck.

The chains are a cunt simply
you tie your bike down walk away and the next rider tightens their tiedowns bingo yours are loose again.
the D rings on said boat are about crankshaft position hard to tie properly; why couldn't they be forward of the handlebars so you can tie from there?

[dogsnbikes]

The chains are a cunt simply
you tie your bike down walk away and the next rider tightens their tiedowns bingo yours are loose again.
the D rings on said boat are about crankshaft position hard to tie properly; why couldn't they be forward of the handlebars so you can tie from there?

Chains are generally used when there is more bikes than bike parks,
If you find that the deck D's are inline with your crank,they were designed for a single strap tie down over the seat,

[Berg]

For us, we take our own Aerofast tie downs (4 per bike) and always book the Kaitaki which has good Vs to hold your front wheel. They have 12 positions for bikes and we have only once seen them all full.
Pre test your stropping technique as I found before hand the Z would need short extensions to reach under the radiator shrouds without doing any damage.
If unsure, ask. Riders are usually willing to give you a hand.

[GPS MAN]

The Blue Bridge only had rope on my last crossing..Glad I took my tie downs

[mossy1200]

So how about someone who has a decent camera, the next time they take their bike on the ferry, gets some photos of what they can expect to have to deal with. I know ,I know, why dont I do it myself but to be honest there have been a few times that I have thought of taking the crossing but when I have asked the guys at the terminal about what is provide and how its done etc etc, they have been somewhat vague.

im going over on 24th ill take photos.I always try park between expensive bikes they tend to be more carefull tying theirs down.

[dogsnbikes]

I always try park between expensive bikes they tend to be more carefull tying theirs down.

or they have no idea how too tie them down

had a guy yesterday morning heading to the Hog rally,had no idea where too even start,got him sorted,despite his concerns that the parts used on his bikes for lashing points may come off,how ever I did comfort him by informing him that the chinese are pretty good weilders now don't think the rest of the group where happy with said remark

[Berg]

or they have no idea how too tie them down
Love t

had a guy yesterday morning heading to the Hog rally,had no idea where too even start,got him sorted,despite his concerns that the parts used on his bikes for lashing points may come off,how ever I did comfort him by informing him that the chinese are pretty good weilders now don't think the rest of the group where happy with said remark

Love it

[Ocean1]

or they have no idea how too tie them down

Yup, you can spot the guys that've never had dirt bikes. I can't remember a time when I haven't helped someone tie their bike down on a ferry.

Also, the last three times I've been forced to ignore vehicle deck crew instructions, some of them have no idea whatsoever.

[Gremlin]

Also, the last three times I've been forced to ignore vehicle deck crew instructions, some of them have no idea whatsoever.

They mean well, but yeah, sometimes they refused to use chains on the Interislander and I pulled them out anyway. Their priority is cars, trucks, getting away on time. My priority is keeping my bike safe.

Same with me, last few times I've crossed I've always helped at least one person get their bike strapped down.

[sootie]

A small group of us are looking at using this there & back over the next few months. I have not used the interislander in a long time, and never with a bike before. Thought I might be able to pick up a few tips from those who have ventured south (or north!) before.
* Any thoughts on reasonable accomodation handy to terminal either end?
* how much advance booking is really needed for say 6 bikes? (ie do they squeeze in easily anytime?)
* travelling in the wee small hours - any advantages?
* bring your own tiedowns is suggested ... ???
* any security issues for packs etc?
* any helpful tips re fare packages or whatever - thanks

[FJRider]

There has been numerous threads on the subject. Well worth using the search button.

How far into the mainland are you heading ... ???

Depending on the departure time ... makes accomodation location an issue. You really need to be at the ferry when they start loading. Most companys let bikes on first if they are ready.

Depending what event you may be attending ... and bookings are usually for the Burt Munroe are heavy for that period. 6 bikes would be worth making an attempt to book.

Bring your own tiedowns ... then you know they will work.

Security is seldom an issue. Bloody cameras everywhere ... deck hands always about.

Most of the ship companys have an 0800 number ... let your fingers do the walking ...

[sootie]

There has been numerous threads on the subject. Well worth using the search button.

How far into the mainland are you heading ... ???

Depending on the departure time ... makes accomodation location an issue. You really need to be at the ferry when they start loading. Most companys let bikes on first if they are ready.

Depending what event you may be attending ... and bookings are usually for the Burt Munroe are heavy for that period. 6 bikes would be worth making an attempt to book.

Bring your own tiedowns ... then you know they will work.

Security is seldom an issue. Bloody cameras everywhere ... deck hands always about.


Most of the ship companys have an 0800 number ... let your fingers do the walking ...

Thanks FJ.
North Cape last year, the Bluff this year I think. No big deal really, as I come from Dunedin originally. We are not attending anything in particular, but are gradually lining up a sequence of places we would like to visit.
Several of us are already carrying Gold Cards & a bit ancient for this, but we feel an urge to grow old disgracefully!
A couple of useful points there - thanks

[BMWST?]

Thanks FJ.
North Cape last year, the Bluff this year I think. No big deal really, as I come from Dunedin originally. We are not attending anything in particular, but are gradually lining up a sequence of places we would like to visit.
Several of us are already carrying Gold Cards & a bit ancient for this, but we feel an urge to grow old disgracefully!
A couple of useful points there - thanks

might pay to give the feeries a ring...if you book 6 bikes you will prolly be eligible for a discount anyway

this place is only about 2-3k from the iterislander and virtually straight across the road from the bluebridge.Not sure how you would get on with the bikes there tho.