Cook Strait Ferries Megathread

**Radar** · 5th February 2009, 18:51

Originally Posted by NordieBoy

No problems on the BlueBridge - Santa Regina.

Used my own tiedowns instead of the ropes and didn't bother with one of the wheel chocks that the Police Special and Triumph used.

Nice tie downs. I had cheaper ones from the Warehouse, $20 a pair, but they did the job just fine - used them on the rear only. On the front I used the Interislander straps but some of them were in sad shape and could not be used. I did bring along some rope just in case but did not use it. Unless you are crossing in bad weather or huge swells, smaller tie downs will be fine (remember that they will not have to hold the entire weight of the bike but just to stabilize it) but obviously if you don't mind spending more $$, get four heavy duty ratchet tie downs.

Did a S Island tour down to Milford, Invercargill, etc. Bloody terrific. Came back a week ago. Was down there twice before in a cage but never on a bike: awesome! The ride into Milford Sound has to be one of the great bike rides of the world.

Used Interislander both ways and it was OK but reading the comments above next time I would go on Bluebridge.

BTW, there was a minor accident that happened to one of the bikes on the Wgtn-Picton ferry. Luckily it did not involve me. I think all KB'ers should be aware of what happened:

When I first rode on and parked the bike there were about 10 bikes. One of the bikes was a brand new beautiful hot Yamaha R6. The guy to his LEFT had a dirt bike and the idiot somehow let it fall onto the new bike causing a dent in the R6's petrol tank from the dirt bike handlebar. The guy immediately apologized and promised he would pay, giving details. The R6 actually did not belong to the guy riding it but to his girlfriend (guess she was not experienced or confident enough to ride it onto the ferry), and she was in tears. Imagine having a brand new bike and getting it damaged doing zero kph!

So the warning on a ferry is to LOOK OUT FOR THE BIKE TO YOUR LEFT when parking - maybe help the rider tie his bike down. The bike to your right will most likely have a kickstand down or if you are unlucky it could be a centre stand meaning that either bike could fall onto your's. Just be careful of tired or nervous riders that could dent or scratch your bike when they mess up securing their own bike.

BTW, there was a cruiser that had only one tie down. The owner was either an experienced ferry user and knew that the crossing was going to be so smooth hardly any tie downs would be necessary, or he was.... well, you know....!

**NordieBoy** · 5th February 2009, 21:27

Originally Posted by Radar

Nice tie downs. I had cheaper ones from the Warehouse, $20 a pair, but they did the job just fine - used them on the rear only. On the front I used the Interislander straps but some of them were in sad shape and could not be used. I did bring along some rope just in case but did not use it. Unless you are crossing in bad weather or huge swells, smaller tie downs will be fine (remember that they will not have to hold the entire weight of the bike but just to stabilize it) but obviously if you don't mind spending more $$, get four heavy duty ratchet tie downs.

Bunnings: $20 for 2 normal and 2 racheting tiedowns in bright green

BlueBridge was $105 for me and the bike.

**_Shrek_** · 7th February 2009, 09:38

I use the Blue Bridge manly coz of the $$$ & I take my own tie downs & don't let the crew near it.
The 1st time I took a bike across they tied it down with ropes & ripped off my indercator :mad2: on a good note they paid for a new one

& if you are new at it they will assist if you ask

guys

**longwayfromhome** · 7th February 2009, 16:30

So next week I am riding down Akl-West Coast somewhere on Friday, across to ChCh on Saturday, ChCh back home on Sunday. I'm going to give moral support to a competitor in the Coast-to-Coast. I've never been across the ferries on a bike so wanted to know some of the "rules-of-thumb" to help expidite.

1. Do bikes have to pre-buy tickets or is there generally plenty of room for bikes, even if its full for cars? When I have travelled on ferries in USA/Canada, tickets were never pre-bought for bikes as they just fitted the bikes in around the cars e.g. across to NS from Maine, Victoria to WA.
2. Since I don't know exactly which ferry I'll be hitting, what do you normally do? Do you pre-buy tickets for one sailing, but if you get there earlier/later they are happy for you to use them on a different sailing?

I suppose I am trying to get a feeling for how exact I have to be on the timings/arrangements. I am thinking a sailing about 2pm on Friday and a 10am on Sunday would be pretty good.

What is the usual thing with these ferries?

I see the threads about tiedowns etc.

TIA.

**paulmac:Me** · 7th February 2009, 16:49

check out www.interislander.co.nz Pays to book ahead and be on time, they can be a bit anal !! having your own tie downs is good but not usually necessary.

**Starky307** · 7th February 2009, 16:53

From previous experience with crossing using a car I'd suggest you prebook. I have never crossed on a bike so I'm not sure if they fill the gaps with bikes or not.
Have a look at this link to book a ride, but I'd hurry as the afternoon ferry is filling up fast for next friday.
All the best.

**Starky307** · 7th February 2009, 16:55

Originally Posted by paulmac

check out www.interislander.co.nz Pays to book ahead and be on time, they can be a bit anal !! having your own tie downs is good but not usually necessary.

I just got beaten to the posting finish line.

**davereid** · 7th February 2009, 17:42

IMHO, the "interislander" is to be avoided. Unless you pay on-line before you show up (with generous cancellation penalties) you will never be able to determine your exact fare. You will be treated like a P.O.S., and your money extracted at every turn.

You could try BLUEBRIDGE. They offer tired old boats, but they just charge the published fare. Even if you are there 2 mins before sailing..the published fare still applies. They will help you with your bike, and park it so you can get off first. The pies are half cold, but the service cheerful. Its always been cheaper in my experience, I will never travel with the other lot unless I have no choice. Given the gmints recent subsidy, I guess thats what I'll have.

**Taz** · 7th February 2009, 18:25

I also preferred bluebridge.

**Kickaha** · 7th February 2009, 18:48

Originally Posted by davereid

IMHO, the "interislander" is to be avoided. Unless you pay on-line before you show up (with generous cancellation penalties) you will never be able to determine your exact fare. You will be treated like a P.O.S., and your money extracted at every turn.

I do regular crossing with Interislander and have yet to experience any of that

When travelling by bike I used to turn up and buy at the terminal, although now I tend to organise ahead and prepay as it can save a bit of cash

Originally Posted by davereid

Its always been cheaper in my experience, I will never travel with the other lot unless I have no choice. Given the gmints recent subsidy, I guess thats what I'll have.

I'd say if you turn up and pay on the day Bluebridge will be cheaper most of the time, if you can book far enough ahead Interislander would be

Latest comparison travelling to Manfield next week, Van + Trailer and two people

Both fares compared last Saturday and booked with Interislander that day
Interislander $293
Bluebridge $350

Last year coming back from Puke and booking on the day Bluebridge was $30 cheaper and as there crossing was a more convinient time I used them, can't say I noticed any difference in the service

Take your own tie downs

**Wannabiker** · 8th February 2009, 07:24

It does pay to book at this time of year. I went down with the bike to CHCH and back in the new year and left the bookings to the last moment and was a bit limited on sailings as they were full...ie the ferry was carrying the maximum number of passengers. (for both Bluebridge and Interislander). On both carriers motorcycles have a designated area on the vehicle deck, with some tie-downs supplied. It would pay to have 2 tie-downs with you just in case of heavy bookings.

I have travelled regularly on both, and Bluebridge can be a bit cheaper, but the boats are just a bit older and a little more industrial, as they seem to be the carrier for transport industry. The service is friendly and good though.

When booking my last trip on the interislander, the only fare left was the "Kaitaki plus", which was an extra $40 over the standard fare. This gave me access to the Kaitaki club lounge on board, which is similar to the "Koru lounge". There was help yourself food and beverages (beeer wine and softdrink) coffee/tea, finger food, and a couple of internet computers. This made the trip more bearable to say the least!! On the return journey I did not get the Kaitaki Plus fare and spent close to the $40 extra in the cafeteria and bar anyway.

So, in short...traveling at this time of year it would pay to book at least a couple of days in advance, as some sailings do get full. (on both carriers)

**Wannabiker** · 8th February 2009, 07:29

I would aim for getting the morning sailing from wellington, and the early afternoon sailing returning from Picton. Both sailings leave ample time to get to/ from the main SI destinations. PM me if you need accomodation....

**portokiwi** · 8th February 2009, 07:37

Been on the interislander was nice and relaxed. Never tried the Blue bridge.
good to have both options..... Where does blue bridge sail from?

**Wannabiker** · 8th February 2009, 08:16

Bluebridge terminal is right in Wellington...just near the train station. Its signposted along Aotea Quay...

Their terminal is alongside Interislander at Picton though. (seperate check-in gates though)

**Conquiztador** · 8th February 2009, 08:44

Travelled Napier-Timaru end of last year. (See my blog) and missed the interislander when coming back up. Was late, midnight, and I got to travel on the freight ferry. Cheaper and free food, plus a small cabin. Would clearly be my choice from now on.