Drive on vehicle

I'll be driving a rental car so won’t know my vehicle make or registration until I pick it up, can I still book online?
Yes you can. When making your booking and entering your journey details simply select the I do not know vehicle registration box. Once you have picked up your vehicle and know your registration, please update your booking with the details. Please see the question below for important information regarding rental cars on Cook Strait ferries.

Can I take my rental car on the ferry?
We carry most vehicles including rental cars. Please note that some rental car companies allow the vehicle to travel onboard and some do not, depending on their individual policies. A full guide on who does and doesn’t allow their vehicles onboard can be found here.

Companies that do not allow their vehicles to travel onboard are Europcar, Hertz, Ace rentals and Thrifty, so they have depots in both Wellington and Picton for you to drop off and/or pick up their vehicles. If hiring from one of these companies you should book yourself on us as a foot passenger.

Other rental car hire companies may allow the vehicle to cross on us so that you can simply drive on and drive off at the other end - retaining the same vehicle throughout your journey. However ensure you double-check with your rental car provider BEFORE you make your ferry booking with us.

Can I drop my rental vehicle off at your ferry terminal and then collect one from your ferry terminal on the other side?
This all depends on the company you are hiring the vehicle with but many do allow this if pre-arranged. Please make these arrangements with your rental company directly. You can view a range of different rental car company policies here.

Bookings

Can I pay the cost of my trip in instalments?
Bluebridge partners with Afterpay so you can spread the cost over four equal fortnightly payments instead of having to pay it all upfront in one go. You pay the first 25% when you book online and then pay the rest off in three equal payments, every two weeks. There’s no additional fees when you pay on time and it’s free to join. Simply select Afterpay as your payment option when you book online and follow the prompts.

The sailing I want to travel on is all sold-out, what are my options?
As cancellations occur, the availability on our website will update in real-time so be sure to keep checking back to see if space has become available on your preferred sailing. Please note we do not operate a waitlist facility.

I booked online but don’t think I received my e-ticket, can I please have one?
Please email bookings@bluebridge.co.nz with your booking reference (if known) in the subject line.

I think I may have accidentally double booked myself on your ferry. How do I organise a cancellation and refund for the duplicate booking?
Please email bookings@bluebridge.co.nz with your booking references in the subject line (if known) along with a contact number and we’ll do our best to process your refund as soon as possible. Please note that we do not store your credit card details so to process the refund we will need to be able to get in contact with you first.

I need to change my sailing dates/times, how do I do this?
Please click here to change your booking, use your booking reference and your email address so you can amend your booking if possible. In case of any help, please email bookings@bluebridge.co.nz.

I think the height of my campervan/motorhome is incorrect on my booking, will that be a problem?
No this is not an issue for your booking with us. So long as the length of the motorhome/campervan is correct in your booking there won't be any problems when you check-in.

Why is the 8.30pm departure from Wellington so restricted by space?
This is a dedicated freight sailing so space is restricted to only a few non-freight customers due to the laws that govern the shipment of dangerous goods at sea. Limited food and beverage services are available on this sailing but you'll still be able to grab a bite to eat and enjoy our free movies plus free Wi-Fi.

I think I left something on board the ferry/in your terminal. Who do I contact about Lost & Found?
Please send a clear description of the item you have misplaced and where you think you left it, along with your full name and booking reference to bookings@bluebridge.co.nz

Can I change my sailing date/time through My Bluebridge account?
No, please click here to change your booking .

What can I do if my sailing has been cancelled or delayed?
At Bluebridge, we recognise that getting from A to B is important to you so we do our very best to make sure our sailings happen when we say they will.

Unfortunately, there are times where we need to delay or cancel sailings. We will always try to minimise disruptions to you but sometimes they happen. As an example, the weather in the Cook Strait can be very rough and may mean that sailings need to be delayed or cancelled to ensure your comfort and safety.

If your sailing is cancelled or delayed, we will try to contact you as soon as possible to help you with next steps. You can also talk to us about changes to our sailing timetable or confirm if your sailing is going ahead if you like.

You may have rights under consumer laws like the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 if your sailing is cancelled or delayed. If the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 applies, options that may be available to you include:

• being booked onto the next available sailing;
• a refund of your sailing fare; and / or
• compensation for costs that you have experienced because of the cancelled or delayed sailing (if your costs were reasonably foreseeable).

The rights available to you depend on the situation and can be on a case-by-case basis. Events that are outside of our control are not usually covered by the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993. You can find out more about how the Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 works, and what options you have, by clicking here.

Please contact us here if your sailing has been delayed or cancelled, and you would like to make a request about your costs. Our team are happy to support you. We encourage you to keep proof of your costs to assist with any requests you make.

Different rules may apply for businesses using our services for business purposes.

Private cabins

Private cabins are all sold-out online, does that mean I can’t have one?
We suggest that upon boarding you enquire with a member of our friendly crew at the reception desk in case there have been some last minute cancellations.

If I have a cabin, can I board early on the night sailings?
No. Night sailings are available most days from Wellington to Picton at 2am and every day from Picton to Wellington (passengers with vehicles only) at 2.30am. Final check in is 1 hour prior to departure, you’ll board soon after that.

Can I take my suitcase up to my cabin?
We ask that you only take one small bag, no more than 7kgs up to your cabin. There are a quite a few stairs when you board, so for safety and comfort to yourself and other passengers all large items must be checked in at the terminal. For more information about checked in luggage please click here

Can I take my dog into my cabin on any of your ships?
Only the Connemara has dedicated dog-friendly cabins. You will need to book a dog-friendly cabin in advance.

How many dogs can I take in my dog-friendly cabin?
Two.

Can I take my cat into my dog-friendly cabin?
No. Only dogs are allowed in the dog-friendly cabins on Connemara. Your cat will need to remain in your car or be prebooked into a vehicle deck kennel. If your cat is small, please ensure they’re placed in a crate or carrier inside the kennel. We also recommend bringing a water bowl and blanket or toy to make sure they feel as comfortable as possible.

Pōhutukawa Lounge

When will the Pōhutukawa Lounge be available?
The lounge is available for sailings from 1 Dec

What does it cost to book the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
$80 per passenger

Who is allowed in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
The Pōhutukawa Lounge is available to passengers aged 16 years and older. Anyone aged 16 or 17 years may only enter the Lounge if booked with and accompanied by their parent or legal guardian. Alcohol will not be served to passengers under 18.

What ship is the Pōhutukawa Lounge on?
Connemara

Is there wheelchair access to the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
No. The Lounge is on Deck 6. You will need to be able to walk up/down two flights of stairs to get to and from the Lounge. Note: there is no lift or escalator from Deck 5 (main passenger deck) to Deck 6.

Is there a lounge on Strait Feronia?
No. The Pōhutukawa Lounge is only available on select Connemara sailings.

Can I book the Pōhutukawa Lounge once I’m on the ferry?
Yes. If there is space available in the Pōhutukawa Lounge, it can be booked either at the reception area on Deck 5 or at the Lounge reception desk on Deck 6.

What sort of food and drink is available in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
Self-service buffet featuring locally sourced, seasonal dishes. A selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including local New Zealand wines, craft beer, and barista-made coffee.

Will there be vegan/vegetarian/halal food available in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
Yes

Is there a limit to how much food & drink I can have in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
Passengers will be able to consume the food and beverages at their leisure. However, for alcoholic drinks – host responsibility applies.

What seating is available in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
There is a range of comfortable seating options available. This includes reclining seats, low lounge chairs with tables and taller tables for dining.

Can I take my pet into the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
No. The only animal allowed in the Pōhutukawa Lounge is an assistance dog. If you have an assistance dog travelling with you, you will need to let us know when you check-in, and you will be required to present your certification tags or documents.

Can my assistance dog/guide dog come into the Pōhutukawa Lounge with me?
Yes. If you have an assistance dog travelling with you, you will need to let us know when you check-in, and you will be required to present your certification tags or documents.

Can I smoke/vape in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
No. There are smoking areas outside on Deck 5.

Can I bring my baby with me into the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
No. The Lounge is R16+.

Can I get priority boarding if I’ve booked the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
No.

Can I add the Pōhutukawa Lounge to my existing bookings?
Yes, if there is available space in the lounge for your sailing and your sailing date is from 1 Dec.

Can I purchase food from the main menu, and have it delivered to the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
No

What type of alcohol is available in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
Premium wines, beers (standard and craft), cider and RTD

Can I take my laptop and watch my own movies in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
Yes, you can play your own movies using your own device and headphones. We recommend you load these onto your device before boarding. Please be considerate of other passengers. If the sound is too loud, you may be asked to reduce the volume.

Will I get Wi-Fi throughout the entire ferry journey in the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
Free Wi-Fi is available during your journey. However, please be aware that there may be areas with dead spots where the connection might not be accessible.

Can I get a discount if I’m booking a group of people into the Pōhutukawa Lounge?
No.

Discounts

I’m a member of the NZMCA can I still book online and receive my discount?
You sure can, simply enter the special NZMCA promo code on the price & availability screen when making a booking on our website. Hint: you can find out what this is by logging in to the secure NZMCA member's only area. Please remember that you must present your New Zealand Motor Caravan Association Inc. membership card along with photo identification upon check-in otherwise you will be required to pay the full fare amount.

I'm a senior citizen, am I entitled to a discount with you?
Discounted Super Sail and Flexi Sail fares are available all year round to customers who are over 60 years of age, OR who hold a Super Gold Card, a New Zealand Seniors Card or a Grey Power Card.

I’m a student, am I entitled to a discount with you?
Yes, please check our Student Deal here.

I'm a TOP 10 Holiday Park Club Member, am I eligible for a discount with your company?
No, sorry we currently do not have a discount with TOP 10 Holiday Parks.

I'm a singer/entertainer/band member and would like to play for my passage across Cook Strait, can I do this?
Unfortunately no. Space onboard our current operational fleet is very limited so there isn’t a suitable area in which this activity could take place without impacting on our operation unfortunately.

Travelling with Pets

Can I take my pet with me?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring your cat, dog, or other small pet with you. Pets must either stay in your vehicle, in one of our vehicle deck kennels ($15 one way) for the duration of the sailing or if you’re travelling on the Connemara you can book one of our dog-friendly cabins.

Do I need to let Bluebridge know I have a pet in the car?
Yes. Please let us know when you’re travelling with a pet so we can help you keep your animal safe and happy.

Important: Please read our hints and tips for keeping your pet safe at travelling with pets

I have a service dog, are they allowed to come onboard with me?
Certified service dogs are able to accompany their owner into all passenger areas. Please let us know prior to departure that you’re travelling with a service dog and ensure your dog is wearing the vest and have certification tags and documents ready.

I’ve booked a dog-friendly cabin, is my dog allowed in the passenger areas?
Your dog must remain in your cabin or in the communal outside dog exercise area located on deck 6. When taking your dog to your pre-booked dog-friendly cabin, for your dog's safety, please use the stairs. Dogs are not permitted on the escalator.

Can my dog use the dog exercise area?
The communal outside dog exercise area on Connemara is for passengers who have booked a dog-friendly cabin. Our vehicle decks are locked during the sailing, so if your dog is in your vehicle or in a kennel, you will not be able to visit it until the ship arrives at its destination.

What about larger pets?
Livestock needs to be booked through our freight office. Please call 0800 162 322 or email Freight.Wellington@straitnz.co.nz for more information.

Can I book Equestrian towed trailers/floats carrying horses or Equestrian Vehicle/Motorhome?
Yes. Please ensure the correct length is booked, including the hitch, so enough space is allocated for your booking. Equestrian towed trailers/floats carrying horses can only travel under 2.5m swells. If the swell height exceeds this, you won’t be able to travel on that sailing.

Hay and/or straw is considered a dangerous good and cannot travel with this booking.

Affiliated Resellers of Bluebridge

How do I become an agent or reseller of Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry services?
Please visit this section of website which is full of information including our Affiliate Reseller application process.

We're sure you'll agree that having the ability to offer a choice of New Zealand travel product enhances your customers’ experience and increases the profitability of your business.   If you are interested in becoming an agency of Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries, email us at Bluebridge.Sales@straitnz.co.nz and we’ll send you an affiliate application form.

Once our team has processed your application successfully, we will be in touch with your account information, as well as your website login details so you can start to make bookings on behalf of your customers.

If you have any questions or would like more information about becoming an agent, please don't hesitate to email our sales team.

What currency are the prices displayed on our website?
All prices on our website are in New Zealand dollars.