It takes around three hours to go from the North Island to the South Island by ferry. Remember, apart from Apex and GO Rentals, rental providers generally don't allow their vehicles to be taken on the ferry, so you'll need to drop off your vehicle either at Wellington or Picton before boarding.

Yes, you can easily take a car between the North and South Islands via a roll-on/roll-off ferry across the Cook Strait. In 2026, the two primary operators are Interislander and Bluebridge, both departing from Wellington in the North and arriving in Picton in the South. The journey takes approximately 3.5 hours and is famously scenic. For a high-value experience, it is a "pro-move" to book your vehicle space at least several weeks in advance, as car spots—especially for larger SUVs or campervans—sell out quickly during the summer months. Prices for a standard car and driver typically range from $210 to $440 NZD depending on the fare type. If you are using a rental car, check if your company allows the vehicle on the ferry; many premier agencies like Hertz or Avis require you to "drop" your car at the Wellington terminal and "collect" a fresh one in Picton to simplify logistics.