Cook Strait Ferries Megathread

**BMWST?** · 7th March 2014, 17:44

Originally Posted by oldman_rider2013

I took these on the way back on the blue bridge from (picton to wellington) a selection of blue bridge tiedowns & instruction diagram (I took my own Oxford handlebar strap
& two tiedowns )
Attachment 294540 Attachment 294541

Originally Posted by CrazyFrog

I travelled on the Stena Alegra on Monday, sailing was a bit lumpy through the Strait, but the ship handled it well, seemed very stable.
It was bloody slow though, the standard crossing time is 4hrs on that ship, compared to 3hrs 30min on the others. And evryone seems to comment on really slow time to disembark after arrival, 20 mins seems to be the norm. Too fuckin slow. Effectively a 4hr 30min trip.

Sorry Interislander, but I won't use that boat again. But I did like the bikers weather shelter at check-in area in Wellington.

Dont go on the straitsman then,same crossing time

**budit** · 8th January 2015, 08:51

Hi people

I have decided last minute to do a bit of a tour of the South Island. I won a ticket on the BlueBridge leaving in a week, and was wondering what the process was for securing your bike on the Ferry as I have not done a crossing with my Bike. I would assume it is a simple case of using some tie downs however are these supplied by the Ferry or does one have to bring their own. Again I assume there would be sufficient tie downs supplied however i don't want to arrive and find nothing suitable. I have a 1199 so don't particularity want to see it on its side when I arrive in Picton. Also if supplied by the Ferry are they thick or are we talking standard tie downs eg not for large cars trucks, can't see those working well over the clip ons. I have limited space so don't particularly want to to have to carry my own, tail bag is all I will be taking.

Thanks in Advance

**Swoop** · 8th January 2015, 09:14

Have a quick read of this thread.
http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...eed-to-do-take

**cheshirecat** · 8th January 2015, 15:09

Been on them a couple of times. Plenty of ties, though I had my own. There were chocks as well. Just remember to keep it on the side stand - oh but you won't have a choice will you! Bike came out smelling like sheep piss but then that goes for the rest as well. Take your own food unless you like 60's menus

**Kendoll** · 8th January 2015, 15:19

Take your own tie-downs. My experience is that the ones on there aren't great quality and there aren't enough unless you're in the first 3 or 4 bikes on. I've taken my own every time and it has always been worth it, even with limited space.

And work out what you're doing with them before you get on the ferry or go with someone who's done it before so you don't get it wrong - especially with such a purrrdy bike in question!

**nodrog:Me** · 8th January 2015, 15:29

fucksakes!

**mossy1200** · 8th January 2015, 15:42

If you lay it down on its side it cant fall down.
Normally theres lots of holes in the deck that you can put a foot peg into to stop it sliding also.

**James Deuce** · 8th January 2015, 15:43

Don't try to get off the ferry after it's left the dock. Srsly. DAMHIK.

**R650R** · 8th January 2015, 16:07

Because its a Ducati you'll have to leave it running otherwise youll get salt creep in the pipes.

**mossy1200** · 8th January 2015, 16:09

I found an old picture.
The key is to find multiple spots to strap it down and get a 34pack strop set.
If you look up most people don't realise theres hooks on the ceiling also.

**Tazz** · 8th January 2015, 18:52

To lazy to reverse the trailer in aye

Food is awesome on there I thought.

If you don't know what to do someone will come do it for you while you hit the bar. I wouldn't trust them without checking, but you don't want to miss out on a good seat by the taps either. Tough call.

**pritch** · 8th January 2015, 19:00

Take yer own tie downs in a plastic bag in case you get stuck near a stock truck. The bag will stop the shitty tie downs oderising your clothes.
Above all be adaptable as to tying the bike down, sometimes you don't have much to work with. If the weather stays the same, you won't have much to worry about.
If...

**Waihou Thumper** · 10th January 2015, 18:59

No issues at all. I took tie downs, waste of time. I was the first on the ferry, rope was there, chocks were there and all was good.
Would be happy to keep using them, nice work Bluebridge.

**jonnyk5614** · 25th June 2015, 09:45

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RPjWMDAYWZs

Doesn't matter if the bike is tied down - what about the stock trucks!

**Joemac** · 8th December 2015, 15:06

Does anyone have any tips for tying down a bike on the interislander? I am going up to Wellington (for the ac/dc

concert) on Saturday (and back Sunday). It would be a shame to fuck that part of the trip up by dropping it en route.
The bike is a triumph Sprint ST if that makes a difference.

Cheers