Is the ferry crossing between islands in NZ rough?
May 21st, 2014, 03:36 PM
#1
Is the ferry crossing between islands in NZ rough?
In all my trips to NZ, I've yet to take the ferry between the North and South Islands.
I'm the type who gets sick just thinking about boats, so I've never been inclined (although I have taken the ferry to Stewart Island, a chum inducing roller coaster ride).
I'm thinking about taking the ferry on my next visit, but wondering if I'm just looking for trouble.
Comments from anyone who's take the ferry would be much appreciated.
I'm the type who gets sick just thinking about boats, so I've never been inclined (although I have taken the ferry to Stewart Island, a chum inducing roller coaster ride).
I'm thinking about taking the ferry on my next visit, but wondering if I'm just looking for trouble.
Comments from anyone who's take the ferry would be much appreciated.
May 21st, 2014, 04:36 PM
#2
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Will you just be taking the ferry for the experience? In other words, there and back again? Or will you be taking it as part of a set itinerary?
I ask because, if it is just for the experience, you can wait for a calm day to do it, if you're planning on spending time up in Picton or Marlborough anyhow. (Personally, I love the Picton-Marlborough area, so I wouldn't mind hanging out for weeks up there.)
I'm sure you are aware, if it is really rough on Cook Strait they cancel the trips. In fact, the Interislander is famous for canceled trips due to weather and mechanical problems. But it is a big stable boat. I've not taken the Bluebridge Ferry, but I hear it is better, more reliable and I'd probably opt for that one next time.
However, if you are keen and you luck out with fine weather, I highly recommend seasickness medication. I use a Scopalamine patch behind my ear. It makes me drowsy, but it works best for me. I've also used Dramamine or Meclizine (common name Bonine), which can work sometimes (but not always). I also bring along ginger tea and plain crackers. I love going out on the ocean and being on boats, but as I've gotten older I've noticed my seasickness becoming worse.
http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=4
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/m...home-treatment
Whatever you do, don't read while at sea! They say it's good to stare at the horizon, if you start feeling sick, but I've found once I've reached that point, there's no turning back!
I've done the Interislander three times, including a round-trip on the same day. I was lucky to encounter gorgeous, relatively calm weather, and when you strike it right the voyage through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds is stunning, unforgettable. The third time I did the crossing it was less than a perfect day and not as enthralling, though I still enjoyed it, but I love being on the ocean and on boats. I love being by the sea, whether it's wildly rough or calm. I'd jump at the chance to do cross Cook Strait in a ferry again.
I definitely would not recommend whale watching or dolphin swimming in Kaikoura for you!
Do you also get sick from kayaks? I'm just wondering how severe your problem is.
I ask because, if it is just for the experience, you can wait for a calm day to do it, if you're planning on spending time up in Picton or Marlborough anyhow. (Personally, I love the Picton-Marlborough area, so I wouldn't mind hanging out for weeks up there.)
I'm sure you are aware, if it is really rough on Cook Strait they cancel the trips. In fact, the Interislander is famous for canceled trips due to weather and mechanical problems. But it is a big stable boat. I've not taken the Bluebridge Ferry, but I hear it is better, more reliable and I'd probably opt for that one next time.
However, if you are keen and you luck out with fine weather, I highly recommend seasickness medication. I use a Scopalamine patch behind my ear. It makes me drowsy, but it works best for me. I've also used Dramamine or Meclizine (common name Bonine), which can work sometimes (but not always). I also bring along ginger tea and plain crackers. I love going out on the ocean and being on boats, but as I've gotten older I've noticed my seasickness becoming worse.
http://www.cruisecritic.com/articles.cfm?ID=4
http://www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/m...home-treatment
Whatever you do, don't read while at sea! They say it's good to stare at the horizon, if you start feeling sick, but I've found once I've reached that point, there's no turning back!
I've done the Interislander three times, including a round-trip on the same day. I was lucky to encounter gorgeous, relatively calm weather, and when you strike it right the voyage through Marlborough and Queen Charlotte Sounds is stunning, unforgettable. The third time I did the crossing it was less than a perfect day and not as enthralling, though I still enjoyed it, but I love being on the ocean and on boats. I love being by the sea, whether it's wildly rough or calm. I'd jump at the chance to do cross Cook Strait in a ferry again.
I definitely would not recommend whale watching or dolphin swimming in Kaikoura for you!
Do you also get sick from kayaks? I'm just wondering how severe your problem is.
May 21st, 2014, 05:30 PM
#3
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I did Wellington-Picton on my 1st trip to NZ in August '86. Indeed it was rough. I must have been one of few on board who did not get sick. Despite the wind and cold, I stayed on deck, face to the wind, eyes on the horizon. That did the trick. At one point I had to go below deck to use the toilet - almost lost it then with the awful smell of vomit everywhere - yuck!
May 21st, 2014, 05:39 PM
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I've taken the Interislander ferry and enjoyed it immensely, but then I have sea legs.
Like Diamantina says, they don't go when it's too rough, but as Ralph points out, the definitions of "rough" may vary.
Agree with you Ralph, the smell of vomit is nasty. I use the horizon trick as well.
I'd go if I were you Mel, perhaps have some back up meds, just in case
Like Diamantina says, they don't go when it's too rough, but as Ralph points out, the definitions of "rough" may vary.
Agree with you Ralph, the smell of vomit is nasty. I use the horizon trick as well.
I'd go if I were you Mel, perhaps have some back up meds, just in case
May 21st, 2014, 11:17 PM
#5
Thank you everyone, I think you've talked me out if it!
Funny that this subject doesn't come up more often here, given the number of people that presumably take the ferry.
Diamantina -
I can't believe you did that twice in one day!
Yes, it'd be part of a set itinerary, a way to get from Auckland-Picton for two weeks on the north of the SI.
Wellington would be a bonus, the ferry a new experience (or perhaps not).
After reading these responses though, flying to Nelson and taking a mail boat or water taxi into the Marlborough Sounds instead is sounding better and better.
I dislike prop planes almost as much as I dislike boats, although I assume flights into Nelson would be on jets?
Good to know about cancelled trips, that's a deal breaker right there, as co-traveler is short on time.
I've never kayaked, but have had enough bad water experiences to be wary (including getting sick while in the water snorkeling). Dover to Calis nearly killed me, as did Perth to Rottnest and a memorable whale watching trip here in Western Australia (never again). You'd think I'd learn.
I'm okay on calm water (Milford Sound and Lake Wakatipu kinda calm), but have had trouble even while medicated in rough water.
Never been even slightly tempted by Kaikoura whale watching - all it took was one look at that ferocious sea.
>
No arguments there
Funny that this subject doesn't come up more often here, given the number of people that presumably take the ferry.
Diamantina -
I can't believe you did that twice in one day!
Yes, it'd be part of a set itinerary, a way to get from Auckland-Picton for two weeks on the north of the SI.
Wellington would be a bonus, the ferry a new experience (or perhaps not).
After reading these responses though, flying to Nelson and taking a mail boat or water taxi into the Marlborough Sounds instead is sounding better and better.
I dislike prop planes almost as much as I dislike boats, although I assume flights into Nelson would be on jets?
Good to know about cancelled trips, that's a deal breaker right there, as co-traveler is short on time.
I've never kayaked, but have had enough bad water experiences to be wary (including getting sick while in the water snorkeling). Dover to Calis nearly killed me, as did Perth to Rottnest and a memorable whale watching trip here in Western Australia (never again). You'd think I'd learn.
I'm okay on calm water (Milford Sound and Lake Wakatipu kinda calm), but have had trouble even while medicated in rough water.
Never been even slightly tempted by Kaikoura whale watching - all it took was one look at that ferocious sea.
>
No arguments there
May 22nd, 2014, 12:39 AM
#6
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Okay, take a big breath and rethink this.
My crossing was calm and very cool, with amazing scenery. It might be the same for you.
I get the rough crossings problem, Rottnest for me was diabolical. But Cook Strait was lovely.
Can you have a plan b on standby if the weather is not cooperating ?
My crossing was calm and very cool, with amazing scenery. It might be the same for you.
I get the rough crossings problem, Rottnest for me was diabolical. But Cook Strait was lovely.
Can you have a plan b on standby if the weather is not cooperating ?
May 22nd, 2014, 02:00 AM
#7
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I think that's a wise decision, Melnq, especially after I read you got seasick snorkeling! And no wonder you don't care much for Rottnest Island.
Women are more prone to seasickness than men.
My return interislander trip from Wellington to Picton and back in one day was not planned. We were on our first trip to NZ in 1990s, and planned on visiting just the North Island and the Cook Islands, but before we left California we noticed that the cover of Wine Spectator Magazine featured a huge photo of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc with a caption that read, "Best White Wine in the World." So after seeing that article, I insisted we visit that winery, which meant we took the ferry from Wellington, rented a car, drove to Cloudy Bay (which looked nothing like it looks today) tasted the Sauvignon Blanc, Pelorus Sparkling and Pinot Noir. We returned to Wellington on the last ferry. It was worth it, but Cloudy Bay Winery is so different today, I don't even think I would recommend it as winery to visit while in Marlborough because of the steep tasting charges. If just doing just one trip on the Interislander, I would never opt to take it night because of missing out on the great views.
Will you catch the train or drive down from Auckland? Or are you now thinking of flying directly to Nelson from Auckland? From Auckland to Nelson, you'd likely fly on a turbo-prop, a ATR 72 or a Bombardier Q300. I have flown on both of these type of planes on ANZ from Christchurch to Dunedin many times . It is probably safer to fly on one of those than it is to cross the street or ride a cycle in Dunedin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATR_72
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8-d8-lW1v8
Women are more prone to seasickness than men.
My return interislander trip from Wellington to Picton and back in one day was not planned. We were on our first trip to NZ in 1990s, and planned on visiting just the North Island and the Cook Islands, but before we left California we noticed that the cover of Wine Spectator Magazine featured a huge photo of Cloudy Bay Sauvignon Blanc with a caption that read, "Best White Wine in the World." So after seeing that article, I insisted we visit that winery, which meant we took the ferry from Wellington, rented a car, drove to Cloudy Bay (which looked nothing like it looks today) tasted the Sauvignon Blanc, Pelorus Sparkling and Pinot Noir. We returned to Wellington on the last ferry. It was worth it, but Cloudy Bay Winery is so different today, I don't even think I would recommend it as winery to visit while in Marlborough because of the steep tasting charges. If just doing just one trip on the Interislander, I would never opt to take it night because of missing out on the great views.
Will you catch the train or drive down from Auckland? Or are you now thinking of flying directly to Nelson from Auckland? From Auckland to Nelson, you'd likely fly on a turbo-prop, a ATR 72 or a Bombardier Q300. I have flown on both of these type of planes on ANZ from Christchurch to Dunedin many times . It is probably safer to fly on one of those than it is to cross the street or ride a cycle in Dunedin.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ATR_72
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B8-d8-lW1v8
May 22nd, 2014, 02:19 AM
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I wonder why travelers don't ask if the whale watching trip in Kaikoura isn't seasickness-inducing? That was rough. I got sick despite taking medication, drinking ginger tea, and focusing at the horizon. Yet in a dozen whale watching trips off the coast of California, I've only gotten sick once (and only because I foolishly thought I wouldn't need medication).
May 22nd, 2014, 03:43 AM
#9
Taking deep breaths sartoric...
And I thought I had it bad for a good drop; you've got me beaten by a long mile Diamantina. Which reminds me, that lovely WA Liqueur Verdhelo I told you about? We took six of the last 10 bottles a few weeks back, vowing that if the remaining four were still there on the next visit, we'd have to have those too (such control!). The end of an era; for us anyway.
Had planned to meet co-traveler in Auckland after international overnight flights for both, then fly to Wellington (or Nelson).
Might just settle on Christchurch for the first night then driving up north. Those small planes freak me out.
I hope that you at least saw some whales (when you weren't otherwise engaged that is).
>
Interesting, I'd never heard that. Spouse is a diver and gets sick very rarely, but snorkeling with the whale sharks at Ningaloo was a notable exception. There's wasn't a dry bucket on the boat.
And I thought I had it bad for a good drop; you've got me beaten by a long mile Diamantina. Which reminds me, that lovely WA Liqueur Verdhelo I told you about? We took six of the last 10 bottles a few weeks back, vowing that if the remaining four were still there on the next visit, we'd have to have those too (such control!). The end of an era; for us anyway.
Had planned to meet co-traveler in Auckland after international overnight flights for both, then fly to Wellington (or Nelson).
Might just settle on Christchurch for the first night then driving up north. Those small planes freak me out.
I hope that you at least saw some whales (when you weren't otherwise engaged that is).
>
Interesting, I'd never heard that. Spouse is a diver and gets sick very rarely, but snorkeling with the whale sharks at Ningaloo was a notable exception. There's wasn't a dry bucket on the boat.
May 22nd, 2014, 05:36 AM
#10
Melnq8 - I can only add that like others here, we did the Interislander crossing from Wellington to Picton, after a VERY windy day, and even though I am a shockingly bad sailor [I've been sea-sick on dry land!] I was fine and loved the trip.
So far as prop aircraft are concerned, I was in one recently in the appalling UK winter weather and frankly, the landing was pretty hairy, though it didn't last as long as the crossing did.
The other thing to bear in mind is that crossings can be cancelled or delayed, as ours was, whereas the internal flight from Auckland to Christchurch less likely to be affected.
So far as prop aircraft are concerned, I was in one recently in the appalling UK winter weather and frankly, the landing was pretty hairy, though it didn't last as long as the crossing did.
The other thing to bear in mind is that crossings can be cancelled or delayed, as ours was, whereas the internal flight from Auckland to Christchurch less likely to be affected.
May 22nd, 2014, 05:23 PM
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Yes, thanks, when not otherwise engaged, I managed to drag my sickly body outside to see a few sperm whales. Once back on land, I laid on a wooden bench for about 15 minutes, too feeble to walk, and then spent several hours in bed recovering. Never been so seasick: chilled, shivering, with a bed headache, as if I'd suddenly been hit by the flu. I wouldn't wish that on anyone! And I won't be doing it again. I'd consider doing the Kaikoura dolphin swim again, though.
I hope you saw whale sharks on Ningaloo. Snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays on Ningaloo was one of the highlights of my life (no seasickness involved).
I don't know when you were possibly thinking about passing through Wellington, but I know you are a "low-season" traveler. Be mindful the World of Wearable Art performance takes place last weekend of September, first week of October. WoW attracts about 47,000 people a year, 70 percent of these folks are out of towners. All Blacks rugby match there as well on Sept. 13.
Good news about the verdelho. I know you'll appreciate every last drop. As our visas are coming to an end (we're too old to get NZ residency), I've been thinking about what I'll be doing about my NZ Pinot Noir collection (some of Otago's finest, as well as a few from Martinborough and Marlborough). I wish I had a non-wine-drinking relative with room for storing wines.
I hope you saw whale sharks on Ningaloo. Snorkeling with whale sharks and manta rays on Ningaloo was one of the highlights of my life (no seasickness involved).
I don't know when you were possibly thinking about passing through Wellington, but I know you are a "low-season" traveler. Be mindful the World of Wearable Art performance takes place last weekend of September, first week of October. WoW attracts about 47,000 people a year, 70 percent of these folks are out of towners. All Blacks rugby match there as well on Sept. 13.
Good news about the verdelho. I know you'll appreciate every last drop. As our visas are coming to an end (we're too old to get NZ residency), I've been thinking about what I'll be doing about my NZ Pinot Noir collection (some of Otago's finest, as well as a few from Martinborough and Marlborough). I wish I had a non-wine-drinking relative with room for storing wines.
May 22nd, 2014, 05:51 PM
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We took the ferry from Wellington to Picton. I thought the sea was very smooth and didn't have any problems. Husband complained bitterly about the rough seas and how awful he felt. And yes, we were on the same ship and sailing.
May 22nd, 2014, 10:50 PM
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I've taken the ferry a fair number of times, and have had one rough ride.
Odds are that it will be fine, and if you think about it, for the 3 hour journey, you only really spend about a third of that actually in the Strait, where it might be rough. You're sheltered in the Marlborough Sounds, and mostly sheltered in Wellington Harbour.
Other thing to note is that if it's rough in Cook Strait, it's likely to be an equally exciting ride from Wellington to Nelson or Blenheim in a wee plane. The upside of flying being that at least the roller coaster will be over quickly if it is rough.
My rough ferry ride was the first ferry the morning after a day of no sailings due to a 'Weather bomb' that hit much of the country. Flights were still running (but many regional flights delayed or cancelled). The ferry was packed due to the cancellations the previous day and it was difficult to find anywhere to sit. Cars were strapped in. What then followed was a journey that took an extra 2 hours (5 hours total) due to the massive swells in Cook Strait. The bar and cafes were closed, so staff wandered around handing out cupfuls of ice for those that looked green. It was grim. I look seasickness pills and was fine, but very happy to finally get there.
Depending on when you're travelling, and whether you've got a car, you normally wouldn't need to book the ferry far in advance (Xmas, Easter, 7's you would want to). It's definitely the more scenic option, and on a nice or average day a really nice ride - I would totally recommend it!
Be brave!
Odds are that it will be fine, and if you think about it, for the 3 hour journey, you only really spend about a third of that actually in the Strait, where it might be rough. You're sheltered in the Marlborough Sounds, and mostly sheltered in Wellington Harbour.
Other thing to note is that if it's rough in Cook Strait, it's likely to be an equally exciting ride from Wellington to Nelson or Blenheim in a wee plane. The upside of flying being that at least the roller coaster will be over quickly if it is rough.
My rough ferry ride was the first ferry the morning after a day of no sailings due to a 'Weather bomb' that hit much of the country. Flights were still running (but many regional flights delayed or cancelled). The ferry was packed due to the cancellations the previous day and it was difficult to find anywhere to sit. Cars were strapped in. What then followed was a journey that took an extra 2 hours (5 hours total) due to the massive swells in Cook Strait. The bar and cafes were closed, so staff wandered around handing out cupfuls of ice for those that looked green. It was grim. I look seasickness pills and was fine, but very happy to finally get there.
Depending on when you're travelling, and whether you've got a car, you normally wouldn't need to book the ferry far in advance (Xmas, Easter, 7's you would want to). It's definitely the more scenic option, and on a nice or average day a really nice ride - I would totally recommend it!
Be brave!
May 23rd, 2014, 02:14 AM
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But I had many lovely, calm, sunny ferry rides too!
Cruising past all the bays, secret beaches, and boat access only holiday homes in bush clad hillsides is a very nice way to spend your time.
My main (and somewhat lost!) point, was that if the weather is bad, it's not going to be very nice by sea or air.
Chances are it will be just fine though.
Cruising past all the bays, secret beaches, and boat access only holiday homes in bush clad hillsides is a very nice way to spend your time.
My main (and somewhat lost!) point, was that if the weather is bad, it's not going to be very nice by sea or air.
Chances are it will be just fine though.
May 23rd, 2014, 02:32 AM
#17
Not lost at all kiwi, it's just that your rough experience was so descriptive and spellbinding.
Leaning towards Christchurch arrival and departure now. Done it dozens of times and for a reason, it just seems to work.
Leaning towards Christchurch arrival and departure now. Done it dozens of times and for a reason, it just seems to work.
May 23rd, 2014, 03:52 AM
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Good to know you have received a balanced view and useful advice here, melnq8. I too suffer from motion sickness though not quite as predictably and severely as you. I find that people who enjoy travel on ships are often a little too eager to provide unsolicited reassurance and tips they think will work though they haven't for me. "The ships have stabilizers, try medication such and such, the weather is fine that time of year, stand outside in the bow, stay inside amidships", whatever. They just don't get it. Why would anyone take a chance on making themselves miserable when there is another way of getting where they are going? It's not only the 'sea voyage' itself, it is the anticipation of possible illness and/or schedule disruption that can take the fun out of a trip.
May 23rd, 2014, 05:33 AM
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I'm about to be 'that person' , but if the weather is rough for the ferry, the other way of getting there (i.e. flying) will be horrible as well! Unless you love feeling of your stomach dropping down to your feet and the airport runaway appearing and disappearing from view as you rock from side to side on your approach.
Chances are the weather won't be rough. It will be just fine and maybe even stunning.
Will get off my soap box now..
Chances are the weather won't be rough. It will be just fine and maybe even stunning.
Will get off my soap box now..
