BYE BYE NORTH, HELLO SOUTH!
25 NOVEMBER 2022
Sailing through the sounds
The Early Bird Does Not Always Get The Worm
We had such an awesome time in the North Island with our highlights being the Smugglers Bay Loop Track and seeing hundreds of stingrays at Marsden Cove in Northland but it was time to head to the amaaaaazing South Island which we could not wait to visit again since we were there in May 2021 for a week visiting beautiful places in our Britz camper.
We chose to take the 1.30pm ferry which meant we could sleep in (haha) and see a little bit of Wellington before we got on the ferry. We had been to Wellington a couple of times as we think it's a really cool city, full of beautiful places, cool buildings and funky little shops.
We decided to check in at 11:30am as the cars head on at around 12:30, but there was a delay and we ended up not getting on board till 1:30 so it was a long wait! The girls were really well behaved but we were all getting hungry and looking back, we should have parked up and gone for a walk around the city. You can park up and leave the car in line as long as you're back by whatever time they tell you to be.
We chose to take the 1.30pm ferry which meant we could sleep in (haha) and see a little bit of Wellington before we got on the ferry. We had been to Wellington a couple of times as we think it's a really cool city, full of beautiful places, cool buildings and funky little shops.
We decided to check in at 11:30am as the cars head on at around 12:30, but there was a delay and we ended up not getting on board till 1:30 so it was a long wait! The girls were really well behaved but we were all getting hungry and looking back, we should have parked up and gone for a walk around the city. You can park up and leave the car in line as long as you're back by whatever time they tell you to be.
The parking area where the cars and campers all line up to get onto the ferry
The ferry reversing into the dock (not literally, ok?)
Peek a boo, I see you
What's That Smell?! Wasn't Me!
Driving on and off the ferry was super easy and clear and the staff were helpful and efficient. It took hardly any time and as soon as we got on, we could get out of the car and go to the cafe or cabin.
The ferry transports empty cattle trucks and WOW the smell was insanely strong and the floors most definitely in need of a wash down! We could even smell it from the top view deck.
As we were disembarking, one of the crew got us to back up so we could head off a different way instead of staying in the lane we were. We were really thankful and it meant we got off the ship in about 10-mins of getting into the car!
The ferry transports empty cattle trucks and WOW the smell was insanely strong and the floors most definitely in need of a wash down! We could even smell it from the top view deck.
As we were disembarking, one of the crew got us to back up so we could head off a different way instead of staying in the lane we were. We were really thankful and it meant we got off the ship in about 10-mins of getting into the car!
Driving onto the ferry was a breeze
Our parking spot for the trip
A Place To Catch Some ZZZZs
We decided to book a cabin for the trip in case we wanted to relax and have our own space, plus there's nothing better than having your own toilet!
We opted for the twin cabin for $45 which had two single beds, a shower and a toilet. We didn't feel the need for the family room with 4 beds when we were booking, but for an extra small fee, we realised afterwards it probably would have been ideal, so we had our own bed each to chill on. If you're not planning on sleeping in the cabin then a twin room for a family of 4 makes do!
It was nice to have a window in the room and even though it was dirty from the salt water, we still enjoyed looking out at the views and it was private so no one would be walking by and peeking in.
Each bed had a duvet and pillow on it and there was a small table in between the beds.
When we were nearing Picton, we had a call to the service desk because there was still stuff in our cabin... we hadn't been told a time when we needed to remove our bags and we were still around 45 mins away from docking, so we were surprised our stuff had to be out. Luckily the cleaners are honest and nothing was taken.
We opted for the twin cabin for $45 which had two single beds, a shower and a toilet. We didn't feel the need for the family room with 4 beds when we were booking, but for an extra small fee, we realised afterwards it probably would have been ideal, so we had our own bed each to chill on. If you're not planning on sleeping in the cabin then a twin room for a family of 4 makes do!
It was nice to have a window in the room and even though it was dirty from the salt water, we still enjoyed looking out at the views and it was private so no one would be walking by and peeking in.
Each bed had a duvet and pillow on it and there was a small table in between the beds.
When we were nearing Picton, we had a call to the service desk because there was still stuff in our cabin... we hadn't been told a time when we needed to remove our bags and we were still around 45 mins away from docking, so we were surprised our stuff had to be out. Luckily the cleaners are honest and nothing was taken.
View from the cabin window
View out to the left of the cabin window
Sienna and Bella chilling in the cabin
Bye Pretty City
Thankfully we had really nice weather leaving Wellington and it was fun to point out the places we had been to before, like Oriental Bay and the red rocks on the South Coast Walk. It's a pretty city to look back on and the water was calm leaving the dock so it felt a bit like we were heading off on a cruise!
The girls were very excited to be heading off to Picton to see their Granny and Grandad who they hadn't seen in about 6 months.
The girls were very excited to be heading off to Picton to see their Granny and Grandad who they hadn't seen in about 6 months.
Wellington City
Bella looking across to Oriental Bay in Wellington
I love the pattern the waves make as we're moving along
The Windy City
Wellington isn't called the windy city for no reason! We saw loads of wind turbines as we were driving through to Wellington from the Taranaki and we saw a whole lot more as the ferry headed off to Picton.
There were loads of them and they made a good photo so I got my long lense out and snapped away. Of course, as soon as I found a photo scene lining up, the ferry was on its merry way and the scene had passed! But I managed to get some, nonetheless.
There were loads of them and they made a good photo so I got my long lense out and snapped away. Of course, as soon as I found a photo scene lining up, the ferry was on its merry way and the scene had passed! But I managed to get some, nonetheless.
There were turbines all along the Wellington coastline
It was smooth sailing all the way to Picton
Now that would be a fun sand dune to board down!
Do you reckon it's noisy up on that hill?
Best Seat On Deck
There are 3 levels to watch the views from and we spent most of our time up on the top deck. It was a warm day but the wind was cool so on a cold day it would be absolutely freezing!!
There are 8 seats on each side of the ship, but plenty of railing to lean up against if the seats are all taken. It was a nice place to chill as everyone seemed to be quiet and just take in the view.
If you plan on wearing a hat, I would hold on super tight to it otherwise it's bye bye forever! It can get really windy but we found the left hand side of the ferry was a lot less windy that day.
There are 8 seats on each side of the ship, but plenty of railing to lean up against if the seats are all taken. It was a nice place to chill as everyone seemed to be quiet and just take in the view.
If you plan on wearing a hat, I would hold on super tight to it otherwise it's bye bye forever! It can get really windy but we found the left hand side of the ferry was a lot less windy that day.
The girls enjoyed the whole experience - it was pretty exciting for them!
Ya wouldn't want a lung full of that!
Hello pretty sounds!
You Won't Get Hangry
The cafe is open as soon as you board the ship which is AWESOME. No waiting around till you're sailing, trying to keep hungry tummies at bay.
The menu has a lot of different options which was really nice to see. We ordered a few different things and they were ok but we wouldn't order them again. The kids thought the waffle fries were pretty cool!
However, the coffee was DELICOUS! We ordered a mocha and it really was one of the best coffees we've ever had, so we'd recommend getting one of those.
The menu has a lot of different options which was really nice to see. We ordered a few different things and they were ok but we wouldn't order them again. The kids thought the waffle fries were pretty cool!
However, the coffee was DELICOUS! We ordered a mocha and it really was one of the best coffees we've ever had, so we'd recommend getting one of those.
Fush & chup meal (everyone says kiwis say fish and chips like this!)
Frijoles and corn chips
Potato waffle fries
We were really tired after all of our travelling so we had a nap in the cabin, well, as best as we could with two kiddies trying to steal our blankets and tickling our feet! We woke up to find that we were cruising through the Sounds and had most likely missed most of the awesome views, but we headed up to the top of the ship to enjoy what was left.
The Sounds are so different to any landscape we had seen in the North Island so we were in awe! The closest scenery we had seen is Smugglers Bay in Northland.
The ferry is so big that there's so many places to enjoy the view from, inside and out. We chose to see it all from the top deck which was windy but the best seat in town!
Getting off the ferry was just as easy as getting on. It was super quick and we were excited to be heading to Blenheim to spend a few weeks there.
The Sounds are so different to any landscape we had seen in the North Island so we were in awe! The closest scenery we had seen is Smugglers Bay in Northland.
The ferry is so big that there's so many places to enjoy the view from, inside and out. We chose to see it all from the top deck which was windy but the best seat in town!
Getting off the ferry was just as easy as getting on. It was super quick and we were excited to be heading to Blenheim to spend a few weeks there.
Blue water and lush green forests await your eyeballs
Tiny Timmy passing by
Almost at Picton, bye bye amazing views!
Know Before You Go
- Check with Bluebridge what time you can check in from as they won't allow you to check in and park up too early
- There is food and water available on board
- There are plenty of seats to lounge about in on board and a couple of big TV screens to watch whatever movie it is they screen
- There is a small area with beanbags for kids and a TV playing kids movies
- It's worth getting a cabin if you want your own space or feel like having a nap! You may be able to get one last minute, just ask when you're checking in if there are any available
- Remember to keep your car locked when you head onto the ferry and that you can't access the car once the ferry gets going
- To see fares and a timetable, click here
- You are able to park your car in line then wander off for a while before heading back at a designated time (make sure you check what time!)
- Te Papa Museum isn't too far away if you arrive early and want to kill some time
Mappy McMap Face
Getting There
The Bluebridge Ferry Terminal is located at 50 Waterloo Quay in Wellington City. The building itself isn't signposted that well, so keep an eye out for it, but as always, your trusty maps should help you find your way!
Conclusion
We had a great time on the Bluebridge ferry. We liked having our own cabin space to dump our bag and jackets and to have our own bathroom and shower. The views were just awesome up top and it was a great place to chill and show us what amazing scenery awaited us in the South Island! The whole trip was a breeze from getting on to leaving the ferry.
Gallery of the Bluebridge Ferry Crossing
Check out the rest of the awesomeness that didn't make it to the main blog but deserves to be shown.
More to do in the South Island
QUEEN CHARLOTTE DRIVE
MARLBOROUGH An incredible drive snaking 40kms between Havelock and Picton, with many bays to stop and admire the breath-taking views.
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CULLEN POINT LOOKOUT
MARLBOROUGH A quick 10-minute walk from the carpark through native NZ forest, showing incredible views of Mahau Sound and beyond.
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HOOKER VALLEY TRACK
MT COOK An easy walking track surrounded by mountains, glaciers and avalanches! This is a must do in New Zealand!
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