Interislander Ferry: Crossing New Zealand's Cook Strait

[@moniquegin8444]

I always get the quieter private lounge on the ferry, I think its worth it for a plusher lounge and all the food and drink you want of the breakfast, lunch and morning and afternoon tea. One time they even had sushi.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Oh is that right? I could see the point in the evening, but it looked so quiet on the morning I travelled.

[@moniquegin8444]

@ not sure about alcohol or even if there is any

[@linley-jane7878]

@@moniquegin8444 I think you have to purchase it separately even with a purchased lounge ticket.

[@moniquegin8444]

@ yes it costs more

[@tgapete01]

I would generally plan to overnight in Picton if driving up from Christchurch, take the morning ferry to Wellington. Doing a night trip from Wellington, the lights looked pretty when departing, if you were lucky the stars would be out. Got to like your choice of a simple breakfast of Weetbix, cold milk and a dash of sugar, simple but filling. The breakfast of champions!

[@PlanetPatrick]

It was that or a fry up!

[@terrybrown8539]

The crossing in a southern storm with huge swells is an interesting experience. The toilets will not be clean.

[@PlanetPatrick]

That’s an image!!

[@meredithlewis5152]

Thank you Patrick! I'm assiduously taking notes for my next visit to NZ. (I'm an Aussie so it's just across 'the ditch' for me.)

[@PlanetPatrick]

Oh that's nice to hear, Meredith! Yes, not far for you, but these are lovely journeys to make (lots of Aussies on my trains). Up next will be the Coastal Explorer train, where we get to see a bit more of the South Island.

[@markframpton4500]

When we did the ferry and connected with the Coastal Pacific we were able to check in our cases before we boarded the ferry and they were put onto the train when we docked, so no need to get them from the carousel.

[@PlanetPatrick]

There seemed to be a little confusion on both my side and theirs about this as if booked my tickets separately. Much easier to handle in the way you experienced it.

[@steveruss84]

Another fab video mate. Unfortunately the contract for the new ferry's have been scraped and the port upgrades also have been canceled due to the budget and price blowout.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Oh wow! I didn’t realise!

[@steveruss84]

@PlanetPatrick new government scraped the order from Singapore unfortunately.

[@richardcaldwell9160]

Great review Patrick, always good to get you fibre intake, Bless

[@PlanetPatrick]

lol! Got to keep things moving

[@MR.T..]

another great upload... and one of your old ferries you were on in the port ....connemara ...you sailed on her from bilbao to rosslare with brittany ferries....

[@PlanetPatrick]

Yes, I did indeed.

[@Islandicus]

Thank you, Patrick, The scenery is stunning but I can't figure out New Zealand. I've met people in the UK that have visited and said they had a great time but wouldn't go back. That makes no sense to me although I'm beginning to understand after watching you eat that unimpressive breakfast. Also, I know New Zealanders here who have no desire to move back to their native country even though they speak about it in glowing terms.

[@PlanetPatrick]

Have you been? To be clear, the breakfast was my choice in trying to find something healthy, there were lots of options. I’m sure NZ won’t be the right place for some people or others will feel one and done. I feel that about some places that people love (I’m writing this from Dubai). However, I’ve been to NZ around 4 times now and would happily return.

[@linley-jane7878]

For many New Zealanders, it is the cost of living, not to mention the fact that we are so far away from everything else. Realistically speaking, Agriculture/Horticulture and Tourism are the leading forms of income for this country, so there aren't a lot of opportunities for people. Honestly, if I could move, I would, as there are not actually a lot of options around here.