Wellington to Kaikoura by ferry

Every option, compared

Door-to-door times (flights include the time at the airports). Fares are typical ranges from the cheapest seat to the premium one.

• Ferry, Cook Strait ferry + Coastal Pacific train: The Coastal Pacific runs daily in its summer season only (late September to April), along the Kaikōura coast. Out of season take the InterCity coach.
• Ferry, Cook Strait ferry + InterCity coach: Interislander and Bluebridge both sail several times a day; the crossing is about 3.5 h through the Marlborough Sounds. Most rental firms don't take their cars across: drop yours at the terminal and collect another on the other side. Southerly gales cancel sailings now and then, mostly in winter.

Booking links open the route on the country's transport booking site for trains, buses, boats and transfers, and a flight search for flights, dated about two weeks out (or in season); change the date there.

What it costs your group, one way

Fares × people; a private car is priced per car, one car per four people.

Once you’re in Kaikoura

• Best time: All year (sperm whales are resident); November – April for the calmest seas
• Typical stay: 1 day
• November: Good month: November is at the start of the recommended season (All year (sperm whales are resident); November – April for the calmest seas).

Related