Generally, you cannot take a rental car on the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry between the North and South Islands of New Zealand. Most major rental companies (like Hertz, Avis, and Ace) require you to "hand over" your car at the ferry terminal in Wellington (North Island) or Picton (South Island) and collect a fresh vehicle on the other side. This system, known as an "Inter-Island Rental," is designed to save you the significant expense and logistical hassle of paying for a car space on the ferry. You simply check your luggage onto the ferry, walk on, and pick up your new car upon arrival. You must typically provide 48–72 hours' notice for these crossovers. A few smaller, local companies may allow you to take the physical car across, but you will be responsible for the high ferry fee (often $200+ NZD) and potential relocation fees if you don't return the car to the island where it originated.