What's it like to take New Zealand's WORLD FAMOUS Ferry?

[@janetmariaburke4208]

Fantastic. Worth the extra $80. Really enjoyed the trip. NEW zealand is my favourite country. Very beautiful.

[@suepete]

New Zealand has been #1 on my bucket list for years. This video reminds me that it's still #1. 🤎

[@MervynPartin]

It definitely deserves to be #1. We went in 2016, picking up our campervan in Christchurch, toured South Island, took the Ferry to Wellington, toured North Island and finally flew home from Auckland. My wife said it was our best holiday ever, and so do I. Go for it.

[@rjf077]

New Zealand has been my #1 bucket list destination for over 23 years as well, ever since I saw the first Lord Of The Rings movie and God willing I will finally be visiting it this coming February!!! Can’t wait. Don’t give up and keep working towards that goal and hopefully soon you can also visit it too. Kia Ora!!!

[@kiwiangel1976]

Travelled on this ship last week on a 2am sailing. Thanks for showing me around because all I did was sleep 😂 I had no idea the ferry lounges had such offerings. The scenery across the Cook Strait is the best in the world. ❤

[@JimZim]

This is exactly the kind of video I love to watch. I highly doubt I will ever visit New Zealand in my lifetime, but I truly enjoyed seeing it in your video. I would have absolutely LOVED that ferry ride, and being able to experience it through your video was a real pleasure.

[@GreenerGrass]

Thanks so much for watching, Jim!!

[@MrRamyon74]

We would love you to come down this way though Jim 🙂

[@bendavis6530]

Aw cmon it’s not much further than Hawaii ❤😂

[@freddiejames7642]

@@GreenerGrass Jeb I,m a huge fan keep up the great videos

[@TheButlerNZ]

@@GreenerGrass Is the reply to my comment real, or a scammer using your profile pic (Yet another Wats app or Text Me scam profile...

[@Therealprinceofcobh]

This ship was originally built for Irish Ferries in the 1990s as the Isle of Inisfree she was then chartered to this company in the 2000’s and was then bought outright , the new Isle of Inisfree now runs between Dover and Calais on the Channel Crossing as one of three Irish Ferries Vessels on the Route

[@yahoooooooooooo.oooooooooooooo]

I'm irish

[@Therealprinceofcobh]

@@yahoooooooooooo.oooooooooooooo cen ait tu ar do conai, Agus cen phairt a rugadh tu e sa Eireann

[@yahoooooooooooo.oooooooooooooo]

@@Therealprinceofcobh Dfás mé suas I Ros Comáin agus tá mé fós Ann. Cad fút?

[@johanmeischke9189]

Now that I didn't know

[@jmcgrath7658]

Still remember the fantastic Irish Ferries crew letting 10 year old me visit the bridge on the Innisfree in June 1997 just after it started on the Pembroke-Rosslare route!

[@beagle7622]

I went across at night, very still night. It was just beautiful. We had company accross the strait an Albatross was following the ship.I don’t know whether you went further South than shown in your videos Milford Sound & the surrounding areas is just beyond beautiful. I have been to Norway,in my opinion the Fjordland in NZ is the most spectacular scenery I have ever seen .

[@jimmunro4649]

Yes South Island is Better also Where I live Right at bottom in Southland

[@grantbuchan4147]

"Not really a boat person, lets get back in the air" 🤣Having done it a few times I can say that landing at wellington airport in a strong crosswind will fix that. Great Video.

[@NIckyFromDunedin]

i used to enjoy flying till i moved to Wellington

[@isopath1]

What a laugh!!! The strait was in a docile mood for you....having travelled in 5 m swells that sea was calm as.

[@NooneListensToAWordISay]

As a regular traveler on the Interislander, it was super weird to see Jeb sitting in the exact same seat I always choose in the Plus Lounge. I have found over the years that the Plus Lounge is well worth the additional cost. Fun fact: the window in the lounges are tinted, so you can see out but people standing on the deck can’t see in. And some people that stand on the deck aren’t aware that the lounge is there. Consequently you can sometimes observe some… interesting… behavior.

[@binchickenstoleyourchips]

it was weird to see him standing in the place i did on my way to school camp years ago

[@fallenangel_899]

uh oh xD

[@NooneListensToAWordISay]

@@fallenangel_899 During a weekday sailing I once saw a guy who thought he was alone on the deck perform an entire dance routine. There was no music, just this lone guy dancing away. One of the more entertaining crossings I've experienced... The few others in the Lounge were also impressed...

[@GreenerGrass]

Sorry your secret is out about the best seats in the lounge🤣

[@WalkingEng]

I’m on this same ship in a few months, I’m so looking forward to it. Thanks for showing how nice a journey it will be

[@pamtawhara7029]

I live in the South Island so have travelled on this Ferry quite often. I enjoy it when it's quite rough and the waves splash up the windows lol. Also have often watched dolphins riding the waves alongside the boat and dashing across the bow.

[@60frederick]

Oh, your video brings great memories back, when I did it in 1993. Thank you very much, Suzanne and Jeb, for sharing your wonderful documentary video with us.

[@GreenerGrass]

Many thanks! We so appreciate all of your support through the years!!

[@LyfovRyan51]

You two are well travelled. Good to see you in the land of the long white cloud

[@insano0077]

Yeah that was a calm crossing of the cook strait... its in the top 5 roughest bodies of water in the world..one of other others in at the bottom of the south island!! Having traveled on the ferries many times on some pretty rough sailings, I always enjoy a calm one!! And on the pronunciation of the place names, said like a New Zealander! 5/5👍

[@petrtsesavets24]

great video!

[@glendafaber1245]

I have done that crossing 4 times. 3 times were perfect but the last time I thought we were going to die, it was so rough. People were throwing up everywhere. I said I will never do it again! Of course, that was many years ago and I guess the ferries have improved since then. But you never know what the sea is going to be like.

[@watchhans]

When my wife and I took the interislander the sea was calm, as well. That was in September 1996....long time ago, but we will never forget it.

[@regregan6852]

I actually enjoy the whole interislander experience, done it a few times now in various weathers and still rate it as a trip within a trip, truly unique.

[@alanshore8858]

I've always enjoyed your videos and as an American expat living here in New Zealand, I was really excited to see this one. Enjoy your time in New Zealand!!! If you get the chance and have the time, get on up to the far north and see some of the world’s finest beaches. Congratulations on 500k subscribers. Been a long time viewer...

[@timlewis5096]

Talk about luxury!!! my last trip across the Cook Straight was in 1974. The old ferries and rough weather. Didn't bother me or mates as students, drinking and eating was the main plan

[@monke9527]

Yes there is usually a uniformed team on every sail

[@sivayamsiva9343]

Very beautiful New Zealand tour videos,useful detailed information congratulations 👌👌👌

[@lautjenz1103]

Been travelling with the ferry for years but never bothered to check out the lounge...food sure looks good!

[@DannyA3579]

I absolutely loved NZ. Picton and Wellington were great.

[@speedskater89]

I just have to say that you are your wife are so adorable together! I like how you guys do all these videos together now!

[@Mrfrontrow]

My wife and I did the ferry from Wellington to Pickton back in 1999. That was 23 years ago. I’m not sure what the ships name was nor the ferry line. But, the ferry did accommodate train cars. I specifically remember watching them load up. We also booked first class/premium. It was a nice little lounge that no one else used except us as I recall it was only US$30 per person more than the regular ticket. There was no special meal involved in the lounge, but it did include snacks and beverages as part of the fare. I would highly recommend this trip to anyone who goes to New Zealand.

[@erinward4995]

In January 2023 I was in New Zealand for 10 days. I went to Kaikoura, Wellington, Rotorua and Auckland. I was on that ferry on the 8th of Jan. The water was rough and we didn't go on the deck because it was freezing when we went. I then went to the Cook Islands but the Ferry is AMAZING.

[@MeBeingAble]

If its not calm, it takes 6 hrs.... I bought lunch for me and my son, took it upstairs and outdoors, a wave hit and slammed the door on me and my lunch went flying. No one was hurt. My brother sortve caught me from memory. As I turned to go back inside and buy another lunch, one of the workers took my arm, led me back in and got me another full lunch free of charge. 5⭐️ service❤

[@kevinamsteam7816]

New Zealand is on my bucket list and it is every bit as beautiful as I had imagined. The only other places I had seen it was in the movie, Lord of The Rings. Thank you so very much for allowing us to ride along on your breathtaking trip. Kev

[@caravanlifenz]

Lake Tekapo (when the lupins are out in springtime) is one of my favourite places in NZ. There's an amazing calmness about the lake and the little town of Tekapo.

[@johnwilson5743]

Hi Kevin. Have you also seen The Last Samuri starring Tom Cruise? Filmed in New Zealand because we had a Mountain that looked just like Mt Fuji in Japan. There have been dozens of movies filmed in New Zealand, not just LOTR. The TV shows Zena, Warrior Princess plus Hercules starring Keven Sorbo were all filmed here. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Whale Rider. I don't want to drown you with hundreds of lists of movie names. Oh the number one grossing movie, Avatar plus the follow-ups (Avatar 2 has just been released, plus 3 and 4 were all filmed here in New Zealand. James Cameron has lived here for many, many years.

[@kevinamsteam7816]

@@johnwilson5743 WOW! Thanks for the hot tips! I will check them out!

[@MegaAshishbhardwaj]

Hello Jeb Sir, You narrate all of your videos with absolute perfection. Loved every bit of this video as well. Keep doing it. You are Awesome.

[@chrismckellar9350]

The was a calm day crossing Cook Strait. 'InterCity' bus is usually late, as it originates in Christchurch. The Kaitaki Plus Lounge is located in the quietest area of Kaitaki. Interislander is the ferry operation of Kiwirail - a government own company. On of the ferries - Aratere, carries both rail, vehicles and passengers.There is a misconception that you don't need reservations but you do, especially foot passengers. The 4 ferries main role is freight trucks, followed by vans/cars with drivers and passengers and foot passengers are at the bottom of the list. I am still curious if you guys traveled on the Northern Explorer train from Wellington to Auckland.

[@nevkrisjackson8065]

Love this . I used to love the ferry especially going from Wellington to Picton, When we lived in Picton we had a boat & loved exploring the sounds with dolphins swimming around us. Recently I did the ferry to Shetland Islands- & Newcastle to Amsterdam . A favourite was from Greece to Venice where we slept in our camper & was near the railing.Next year I am going from Barcelona to Genoa by ferry.

[@Tanias112]

I flew to Picton once from Wellington and the views are just as spectacular, a totally different view than the ferry, I would recommend doing that flight just once to experience it.

[@jezzter4293]

The ferry is so much fun. Amazing views. When I did it there was a junior rugby team on board & they performed the Haka. Great. And oh yes, I flew back ... windy landing in Wellington the scariest ever!

[@rskb1957]

Highly recommend this trip. The view of the coasts of both North and South Islands is stunning.

[@martinkhan6524]

Lived in Nelson for years. And did this trip to the north island many times with my young twin daughters,what an adventure it was,great👍

[@neonpixl]

Amazing video from my home country it is a amazing trip over the straight - dxrk Hope you enjoyed my country and cant wait to see more great videos!

[@moiscotv]

Ahh Wellington...my old stomping grounds! Great video Mr. Brooks!

[@bobsellars2395]

We took the same trip a couple of weeks ago, smooth sailing and a pleasurable trip. However I've also been on the ferry in gale force winds and 23 foot swells, which is the point at which sailings are cancelled. Winter waves in Cook Strait can get up to about 14 metres (42 feet). The sister ship to the Kaitaki (Awatere) carries up to 27 rail wagons and the 2 bigger new ferries due for delivery in 2025/6 will both have rail wagon facility. You know you are in for a rough trip when the crew secure all vehicles with chains to stop them being thrown around. You can see the anchoring points set flush into the deck between the rows of cars. Really good video as usual.

[@benmac7315]

Cars are never lashed, trucks are always lashed, but with more if it's rough. They won't park vehicles athwartships around the stern if it's rough though

[@bobsellars2395]

​@@benmac7315 You are right, I did see that trucks were lashed. Maybe it has changed now but when I travelled on the Aramoana back in 1968 on a really rough day trucks and rail wagons were double chained and cars were securely lashed (lessons from the Wahine disaster were still very fresh). On my trip a couple of weeks ago there were dozens of lashing straps tied onto the hull rails on the car decks, even after all the trucks has been tied down so I just assumed they were still lashing cars down in rough weather.

[@benmac940]

@Bob Sellars aramoana was a long time ago and a totally different ship in all respects. Now no cars are ever lashed partly because there is no where to lash to on most cars. They do have enough lashings onboard to do storm lashings on a full load of trucks which on kaitaki is about 65 with no cars onboard so if passengers/cars are onboard there will be alot of spare lashings. And on Aratere rail is also always lashed, and again double lashings if it's rough

[@Andy_M986]

Years ago I went on the Arahura, took the truck on, parked up and went into the truckers lounge. 3 Navy guys came in,the seas were pretty rough that day. One of the Sailors was seasick, yep,a Sailor, seasick.

[@futurecanadian]

I only took it from the North to the South Island. I loved that you drop off your rental car at the ferry terminal in Wellington and pick up a new one in Picton on the same reservation (as long as you spent 72 hrs per island on the same reservation.

[@justlolit]

Some Tips: 1. go outside, even if its rough you don't want to be inside when its bad. 2. If its late and you need to sleep just sleep under the table, its very common on the night ferries. 3. Check the weather the furry does run in very rough weather, I once went in over 7 M swells.

[@brennantate1901]

You got a great day and Cook Straight was very very gentle for you it is seldom calmer

[@iactiv6274]

500k subscribers!! 💪🏼

[@benwilson9150]

Oh Jeb that isn’t a massive ship! The big cruise liners come into Picton on a regular basis in cruise season and they make the ferry look small!

[@blaketaylor619]

Hey from Wellington!

[@kahutihook6345]

Next time your here in Nw Zealand, you should compare Your interisland ferry to the Blue bridge ferry’s which follow the same routes as the inter islander ones. They too do the ferry trips from Picton to wellinton, wellington to picton. Using the native language of New Zealand this phrase, Kia pai tō rā, in english means, Have a good day!

[@thelifeofjaz]

I once spent 10 hour's on that exact boat on a horrific crossing. It's so nice seeing you enjoying it though

[@kevinbutters5964]

I took this just as a day trip in May. It was brilliant! Wellington - Picton - Wellington. Not a lot in Picton but that was not the point……the point was the ferry trip on the Interislander. It was simply superb. I’d recommend the business class lounge if you can stretch to that……all in all a brilliant day out…

[@billneal8995]

Great video! Just like the train one. I love New Zealand, I can't wait to go in their summer and play golf on some of the most beautiful courses in the world.

[@Ollie1979]

Glad you are enjoying your time here in NZ. You may wish to let people know that the premier lounge is 18+. It includes all the food, drinks both alcoholic and non alcoholic. As it has limited capacity it’s never as crowded as the rest of the ferry. Something to keep in mind if you are travelling at peak season. When all the ferries had rail decks, it was great to watch the wagons stunted on and how the effected the level of the ship.

[@brunoliddle]

" You may wish to let people know that the premier lounge is 18+...." SOLD!

[@ftw7026]

Spent the extra 80 dollars to purely enjoy the fact it was 18+ when I went haha Definitely worth the cost

[@timbacchus]

So cool thank you. Look at all that food.

[@janinshirley]

I travelled that route back in 2004. It was lovely

[@theartofthereel455]

That was head and shoulders above The Blue Line experience that I've had.

[@markcrowell2727]

Great ferry ride - it's amazing all of the amenities considering it's just a three-hour trip!

[@amystubby]

You guys are just so relaxing to watch. Thank you for that.

[@jeffreysmith5018]

Spectacular country 😊😊

[@davidnation7316]

As a kiwi, I have traveled many times on the Interislander mainly when it was operated by NZ Rail. The seats were hard, there was a very small gift shop that sold gimicky items, no movies and the pies (the old railways ones) could break teeth. I traveled frequently on the Aranui and was singularly unimpressed with the experiene. This video demonstrated an incredible turn around in traveling across Cook Strait. Great video.

[@brigeetalight4394]

Loved the video. Well done. Well paced, good storytelling. I'm a NZ er who hasn't been on the inter ilander ferries since 1999, so it was good to see how it looks now. Thank you

[@chriscoughlan5221]

I have taken this ferry twice, once in 1992, when it had a smashing 70s retro jukebox and once in 2002.

[@geraintroberts565]

Going to make that trip in November, also did it in 2020. Thanks for sharing!

[@tahuaroa]

Aotearoa… ❣️❣️❣️ see you in March 2023. i’m coming home

[@dashhoundlover2837]

BEAUTIFUL COUNTRY WOW !! LOVE THE FARRY BEAUTIFUL !!

[@jimbo6059]

I went on the ferries that preceeded rhis. Really good crossing, free cinema, reasonable food. Good value.

[@alexrascon8295]

First 😊 Good job on 500K subs!

[@hbaykiwi]

Great video. The ferries can already carry train carriages and was originally advertised as a road and train "bridge" across cook strait. In bad weather they sometimes switch to freight only and delay passenger trips.

[@benmac7315]

Only the Aratere can take rail currently

[@VhenRaTheRaptor]

@@benmac7315 Though the new ones on order will all be capable of it.

[@benmac940]

@VhenRaTheRaptor are you trying to teach me something I don't know? I've known that for a good few years now, probably before it became general public knowledge. Plus even if I didn't I think you'll find this very video said it. The op said that the ferries are already rail capable and I clarified that with its only the one that is.

[@kimikposs334]

I've watched a lot of yours and your wifes content and absolutely love it. So I was so excited to hear you are in New Zealand. I live in Wellington and hope you are loving our beautiful country

[@Keith-s3j]

I have memories of Cook Strait. Next door to us lived Captain Mcleish who was master of the Lyttleton ferry (Wellington to Christchurch) I remember being taken on to the bridge and shown around by him. One night we were returned to Wellington as the ferry collided with something and we never found out what it was. The worst story of Cook Strait was the tragic rock smash of the ferry Aramoana and its loss of life .

[@wingflex5367]

500K! you're unstoppable my friend. Happy for all your success, well deserved. :)

[@richardmurray6519]

Love watching all your videos Jeb. Even though I am a Kiwi (live and bred NZ) still love viewing all videos on you travels all around the World. Must be great to have Heeeeeaps of Doe Rey Me ( means money. LOL) Just teasing mate. Please Jeb. Keep up the great videos you keep on offering everyone who tunes to your site.

[@craig.bryant]

Great to see these old ships still playing their trade. These old Irish and British ferries get a new lease of life down under, including the MV Connemara which I believe is just taking up service on the Cook Strait. If you want to see how rough it gets, look up MV Suiliven on this crossing, horrendous!!! (Also a former ship from the Isle of Lewis in Scotland)

[@thatguyfromdowntheroad9969]

Connemara arrived to Wellington two days ago, looking forward to trying her out

[@karendoody4581]

I live in Auckland, Nz and love this ferry trip that done a few times

[@lakeyboy1000]

Interesting seeing how the kiwi’s cross between their islands! If you’re ever considering visiting Tasmania, you should compare this ferry to it’s Australian counterpart, the Spirit of Tasmania, which I happen to be sailing on right now! Would make a great vid!

[@KelvinYong77]

So glad you enjoyed the strait crossing and a perfect day!!

[@TheRareVideosXL]

What a lovely trip report.

[@soniayoung7531]

Greetings thanks for a wonderful tour it was beautiful stay safe and blessed

[@janderuijter2020]

We did this crossing 5 years ago now, as foot passengers. We had beautiful weather and a calm sea. Watching this vid brings back fantastic memories of our 1-month trip in NZ. By the way - as a Dutchie it was a nice surprise to see where the ship was build - Krimpen aan den IJssel - Holland, way back in 1995. See builders plate at funnel.

[@Hjing2655]

So nice mate. We are about to embark in April and this is a fantastic introduction for a wee-little-bit warm up. Well-done!

[@AussieJetSetter]

Another very enjoyable video Jeb. I did that journey earlier in the year back in August, an absolute must for any visitor to New Zealand. The views as you leave Wellington, enter and cross the Cook Strait and of course sailing through the Marlborough Sounds coming into Picton are all equally amazing!

[@judith4361]

NEW ZEALAND 4 LIFE!!!

[@jatega4ever19]

Very beautiful country... hopefully one day I can visit there...

[@almostyummymummy]

Queen Charlotte Sound - my in-laws have a holiday house there. It's a beautiful place. We often spend Christmas / New Year there.

[@andrewrovers4593]

wow the price of the lounge has gone up since the last time i was on it, but the food looks like a better quality... and btw, the current fleet does take rail cars, i have video of them loading the ferry with railcars using a remote engine ( a guy uses a remote , simlar to a drone one ), its quite a sight to see

[@juniorcampbell2980]

I used the ferry service the first time I visited NZ many years ago. Unlike Jeb when I sailed we had 3m waves, I found out that I did have sea legs and kept my breakfast down. The other trips I did which was really worth it was Doubtful Sound.

[@Michaelthekiwi]

Wellington to Blenheim by plane is 80km/50 miles, making it one of the shortest commercial flights in the world. If you want to know how bad it can get in Cook Strait, have a search for MV Wahine. And it's not the worst maritime disaster in Cook Strait, but because it was recent enough to be captured on film it's more widely known than the wreck of the SS Penguin.

[@juliaforsyth8332]

Yes, but Tropical Storm Giselle didn't help matters!

[@ukfinancialpreparedness7772]

That journey is amazing. I did it back in 2004

[@reubenmorison8149]

That's smooth. On a rougher crossing water can splash up to deck 5 or higher.

[@egpx]

Reminds me of the BC Ferries routes between Vancouver and Vancouver Island, particularly the one from Tsawwassen to Swartz Bay.

[@Andy_M986]

I visited my Canadian cousins a few times in Vancouver, we went to Vancouver Island from Horseshoe Bay, equally as stunning.

[@LeilaLamb]

Looks amazing! Thank you for this video.

[@lukedalgety9677]

Have done the journey 10s of times, worst one we had 7m swells, was 10m but they delayed it. It's an amazing way to go if it's calm, otherwise just take the 25m flight.

[@locomotive110]

Have sailed once at 10 metre swell, it was an experience they stopped sailing after that till it calmed down..the smell of vomit was extreme...

[@richardmccarthy9580]

Some time ago they had a high speed ferry (jet cat ?) across the straits. During the initial strait the speed was restricted…..but good grief once out in open water, standing on the back with views of the engines at full power….. good grief as good as a rollercoaster…..oh and yes on day I went the open water can get rough

[@jimc.goodfellas]

500 K subscribers Jeb! Congrats

[@jonhornbeck4324]

Congratulations on breaking 500k!

[@claredonachie5013]

When I went north to south my ferry journey connected with the train and my case was checked all the way through to Christchurch and we picked up the train in Picton with a shuttle bus to get between the two - excellent idea!

[@arokh72]

I hope one day you come back across to Australia and take the Spirit of Tasmania ferry from Geelong to Devonport. It's a 12 hour journey, which can be done during the day (generally summer months) and night (all year). New ferries will be coming in the new few years.

[@GreenerGrass]

We hope to do that trip someday!

[@shaneroberts6391]

That depends on the weather ! Calm seas ,awesome ! Rough weather in the cook straight , just horrible !!

[@michaelgask]

I'm pleased you had a relatively calm day for your journey, Suzanne. Believe the crew... it ain't always like that. 🙂 Great footage: those views in Tory Channel are spectacular. Thanks for sharing.

[@sandiandgregh]

We enjoy taking ferries but our experience (so far!) is limited to repeated trips on the Stena from Northern Ireland to Scotland, the Northlink to the Shetland Islands, and the Pelee Islander here in Ontario, Canada. Tell Suzanne that Shetland is amazing BUT that is a notorious crossing. Going was smooth, returning was WILD. We're good sailors but you should look at some of the footage online. New Zealand is on our bucket list, near the top. Hope to make it there.

[@debramage739]

Just a great trip on a great day. I have sailed many times on the Ferry. Had some rotten trips. But so worth it.

[@sweetpea8091]

Safe travels in the New Year... I wish you the best in this Holiday Season...

[@Thatyattonspotter]

I have been on this ferry in 7 meter swells! the crew were friendly and they were handing round ice as well as telling us to stay seated