By Boat & Ferry in Wellington and the Wairarapa

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By Boat & Ferry

The Interisland Line runs a passenger and vehicle ferry service between Wellington and Picton; the Interislander boats take three hours, and fares vary by time of year and range from $39 to $60 one-way per person; for a car and driver, fares are $100-$220. Vehicles exceeding 18 feet in length incur an extra charge. You can book up to six months in advance.

The Interislander ferry terminal is about 3 km (2 mi) from the city. A free bus leaves Platform 9 at the Wellington Railway Station for the ferry terminal 40 minutes before sailings.

The Bluebridge vessel, MV Santa Regina, sails twice daily between Wellington to Picton. Fares are $40 one-way per person, $150 for a driver with car up to 20 feet in length, $240-$290 for cars between 20-30 feet. The ferry leaves from the terminal opposite the railway station.

Most car-rental agencies have North Island-South Island transfer programs for their vehicles; you can drop one car off in Wellington and pick up another in Picton on the same contract.

Boat & Ferry Lines

Interisland Line (0800/802-802 or 04/498-3302. www.interislandline.co.nz). MV Santa Regina (0800/844-844 or 04/471-6188. www.bluebridge.co.nz).