Cook Strait ferries Travel Guide — Things to Do, Food & Hotels
strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand
About Cook Strait ferries
There is no bridge or tunnel across Cook Strait, so the ferries provide the sole road and rail link between New Zealand's two main islands. For those travelling betweenGreater WellingtonandMarlborough, the ferries provide a cheaper but slower service than air travel. Starting in 1895, the Union Steamship Company operated overnight passenger betweenLytteltonand Wellington, known as the "Steamer Express". It also operated a weekly service between Picton and Wellington with the shipTamahineuntil 1962. The Steamer Express converted to a roll-on-roll-off (RORO) service in 1965, with the refitted TEVMaoriand new ferry TEVWahine. The 1968 sinking ofWahinestarted the Steamer Express' demise; Running at only half capacity, the Union Company started making substantial losses. A replacement forWahine
Top Attractions in Cook Strait ferries
Explore the best things to see and do in Cook Strait ferries:
- ★Barrett Reef
- ★Oteranga Bay
- ★Pencarrow Head Lighthouse
- ★Tory Channel eastern entrance
- ★West Wind wind farm
Cook Strait ferries Travel Guide Sections
Our comprehensive guide covers 12 sections including: