We're in the early stages of planning a return trip to NZ - August/Sept (yeah, I know it's winter). Although we've visited NZ many times, we've never taken the Interisland ferry from Wellie to Picton.

Is it rough? Will someone prone to sea sickness be miserable? Is it scenic? Is it worth taking for the journey itself, or is it just a means of getting from one island to the other?

Would appreciate comments from those who've taken it.

The Cook Strait is one of the rougher stretches of water around. Although probably not as bad as the Fouveaux Strait.

You do get to cruise through the Marlborough Sounds on the way into Picton.

Take some Dramamine and hope for the best.

Melnq,

I've taken it and enjoyed it, but I also don't get seasick.

It's scenic in the sense that if you like to be out on the water, sailing, it's fun.

But, if "someone" (you?) is prone to seasickness, I'd say, scrap it and fly. You never can rely on weather, and it would be no fun to be miserable just to get from Point A to B.

Hope this is helpful!

Warm regards,

Melodie
Certified Kiwi Specialist

Thanks guys, that's what I was afraid of. I've taken the ferry to Stewart Island (Foveaux Strait) - it was smooth one way and rougher than a cob the other. Only an hour long though.

We're thinking about spending over three weeks in the north of the SI. Just thought it might be interesting to incorporate the ferry and Wellington, but not if it means motion sickness tabs (which put me to sleep)or barf bags.

We love the Marlborough Sounds, and plan to stay there anyway, so maybe we'll stay put on the SI.

Always subject to change of course..

Yep - Foveaux Straits were rough for me too. I remember asking a crew member how rough it had to get before the service was cancelled. My 'rough' scored 8 out of 10 on the roughness scale - they stop running at 4 or 5.

As for Cook Strait - that was one of the most glorious sea journeys I have ever done (going the other way). You sail out of Picton Sound which takes ages, and then the entrance into Wellington Harbour at the other end (have you been to Santorini) is spectacular. It was mid Sept and the weather was as sublime as sublime could be.

You have to be prepared to chance it sometimes, don't you think?

Have you tried the non-drowsy version of Dramamine?

Lee Ann

Lee Ann -

Didn't know there was such a thing. I'll check it out next time I'm near civilization (perhaps next week in WA!) or when I get back to the states in May. I've been meaning to try ginger for motion sickness too.

Thanks for the tip.

I think everyone needs to experience travelling on the inter-island ferries at least once. On a calm day the scenery is incredible, it's absolutely worth taking just for the journey itself. There is a product called "Sea Legs" which is sold in NZ pharmacies which works really well if you're not a good traveller. If the weather is very rough just flag the trip and fly instead.

I get seasick but that trip was uneventful (which is good!). It was scenic but I kind of did it because it was just the easiest way rather than another flight and a one-time experience. I also took the train from Christchurch through Arthur's Pass and wasn't all that impressed so sometimes these "journeys" are kinda overrated. It's 3 hours of time and an easy trip.

Melnq8-- I too am not a happy sailor but listened to my better half and survived with no problem... our actual ferry was cxl the night before due to bad seas, so you can image how i looked forward to the next departure...
BLACK DOCTOR fixed it (coke )- the entrance into picton is magic and not to be missed...hope this helps

Wow - Abby 43 - you must have done some terrific "journeys" to find the two you mention overrated.

Care to share what they were?

I get terrible sea sickness BUT was never sick on this boat (was lucky I guess) ALTHOUGH I sit and watch the horizon and look occasionally at the scenery !! It is a lovely trip!! I say go for it!!! FABULOUS Expericence! Hey, flying into Wellington can be worse!!!!!!!!

Ive travelled on the ferry between Well and Pic a fair number of times. The last trip I was surrounded by vomit - not mine, but it still took me a couple of hours to regain my balance. Try and sit in the centre , nibble something savoury , stare out at the horizon and avoid anyone turning green. Despite all that its a trip well worth taking. If it is too rough the sailing will be cancelled. I think its sometimes a train reaction - one person starts being sick and others join in ! Take the risk - its not that bad . The chances are you'll have a calm crossing ( ??!! ) The Fouveux Strt trip can be rough and esp in MUCH smaller boat . Ive seen rugged hunters throw up like mad on that trip !

P.S. If you have survived Fouveaux then the Cook Strait should be easy peasy. Love to hear how it goes. Heathy

All this talk about vomit has convinced me that we made the right decision to give the ferry yet another pass.

We've finalized our itinerary and once again are spending all our time on the SI, although we nixed spending it all up north.

After many changes, here it is:

Hanmer Springs - one night to rest up from our overnight flight and to avoid driving very far on our day of arrival.

Upper Moutere (Nelson area) - three nights

Golden Bay - three nights

Marlborough Sounds - three nights

Punakaiki - three nights

Haast - one night to break up the drive

Queenstown - three nights

Wanaka - three nights

Christchurch - two nights

Really looking forward to seeing NZ again - it's been too long (two years)!

Aah never mind Melng8. Perhaps save the voyage for your next summer visit.It really is lovely and scenic. I didnt mean to put you off and apologies for that. Seriously though - in summer it will be alot calmer. Have a lovely time down South.

Hanmer Springs - is fabulous, and well worth another day maybe!!

Punakaiki - three nights - well, nice place but not alot there, the pancake rocks are great but there is only so much rock you'll want to see, my suggestion, maybe cut this bit shorter, stay the extra day in Hamner!!

One year definately get on that Ferry - it is a lovely trip!!

Melnq8:

Have a great trip to NZ. You can't go wrong.

We took the ferry, Wellington to Picton many years ago and it was fine. We drove on and took our car to the south island, left it in Christchurch near the end of our visit. That year we took the fast cat back, [train from Christchurch to Auckland]. It no longer runs. Last year we took the ferry, Picton to Wellington and it was okay as well. We did not take the car on board this time but exchanged cars at each ferry terminal. That went very well and I would do it again. In Picton we stayed at the Jasmine Court. A pleasant stop.

In Wellington, be sure to stop at the Te Papa museum. It was fantastic.

We took a day trip from Christchurch to Hanmer springs and enjoyed the hot pools. The one day was enough or us, but we have Jasper National Park 300 km to our west and Banff 390 km to our sough and west so we have a different value on these places.

From Nelson one afternoon we went to Moutere and only found a general store and a petrol station. I can not imagine what you will do there for 3 nights other than veg out.

On our way north from the Catlins we spent one night at Haast. We had a very good dinner at the pub there. I would recommend it.

Have a good one.

Woodie

Appreciate the comments.

Traveller16 -

It's nice to hear someone say that Hanmer is worth more than a night - I wholeheartedly agree, as there are some nice tramping opportunities.

This is our 4th visit to Hanmer - we're only stopping there this time to break up the trip to Nelson. We land around 9:30 am and would prefer to get on the road and stay somewhere other than CH the first night, but don't want to commit to the 4-5 hours it takes to get to Nelson after an overnight flight.

Figured a nice soak in the thermal pools and a comfy sleep at our favorite Hanmer motel would be a good way to start our trip.

Three nights in Punakaki is to allow plenty of time for hiking. We're actually staying in a house about 10 minutes from the rocks and at the edge of Paparoa National Park.

We try not to spend less than three nights in a given location so we have two full days to explore. We tend to feel rushed with anything less than three nights (unless we're in transit).

This is our 7th trip to NZ, so the plan is to spend time in areas we've not spent much time in before as well as revisit our favorities.

Hopefully, we'll get back for yet another visit and can try out that ferry.

Woodie - We're basing ourselves in Upper Moutere as it provides easy access to Nelson, Ruby Bay, Mapua and Motueka. I love this area. As you know, we considered a full week in Nelson, but had a change of heart.

Are you by chance referring to the pub at McGuire's Lodge in Haast? I read somewhere that it was really good.

Don't know exactly how often I've done the Wellington-Picton ferry trip, but it is certainly into triple figures. I've encountered it rough maybe 8 or 9 times - in other words, less than 10%.

Having said that, when it IS rough, it can be VERY rough!