The cheapest way to cross Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton with Bluebridge in 2026 is to book a Saver Sail fare in advance — infants under 2 travel free, children aged 2–15 travel at around half the adult fare, and students aged 16+ get a dedicated student deal with promo code STUDENT. Bluebridge sails up to 7 times daily each way on the Wellington to Picton ferry and Picton to Wellington ferry, making it the most frequent scheduled service across the strait.
👉 Compare Bluebridge Cook Strait timetables and fares on Ferrynav and find the cheapest sailing for your dates.
Wellington to Picton Ferry — How Long Does It Take?
The Bluebridge Wellington to Picton ferry crossing takes approximately 3 hours 26 minutes. The journey leaves Wellington Harbour and winds through the spectacular Marlborough Sounds before arriving in Picton — one of New Zealand’s most scenic ferry routes.
Bluebridge Fare Types 2026
Bluebridge offers three fare types for the Cook Strait ferry, designed to balance price and flexibility:
Saver Sail — cheapest fare, best if you have firm plans. Changes allowed up to 1 hour before departure for a $20 fee per person and $20 per vehicle. Non-refundable.
Super Sail — mid-range fare with free sailing changes (pay fare difference only if a cheaper fare isn’t available). Change as many times as you like up to 1 hour before departure, within 12 months of original travel date.
Flexi Sail — fully flexible and fully refundable. Cancel up to 1 hour before departure for a full refund. No change fees, just pay the fare difference if applicable.
Discounts & Special Fares for 2026
Infants (0–2): Free on all fare types.
Children (2–15): Around half the adult fare when travelling with an adult.
Seniors (65+): Discounted fares year-round. Must show a SuperGold Card or valid photo ID at check-in.
Students (16+): Use promo code STUDENT at booking. Valid secondary or tertiary student ID required at check-in.
Families: Automatic family discount applies when booking includes one adult or senior, one infant or child, and one vehicle. Covers the vehicle plus one towed item (trailer, caravan, or boat).
Groups: 12+ passengers or 5+ vehicles may qualify for a group discount. Not available during peak periods.
Cook Strait Ferry — What’s Included
Every Bluebridge Cook Strait crossing includes free Wi-Fi, free movies, and kids’ activity packs on board. The cafĂ© serves freshly made food from locally sourced ingredients, with premium L’affare coffee and New Zealand wines. Private cabins (1–5 bed, with linen and en-suite) can be pre-booked for added comfort on the crossing, including dog-friendly cabins for up to 2 dogs.
Bikes travel free for foot passengers. Pets are welcome, either in kennels or secured in your vehicle.
👉 Check live Bluebridge departure times and fares on Ferrynav for both the Wellington to Picton and Picton to Wellington routes.
Earn Airpoints Dollars on Every Crossing
Bluebridge is Air New Zealand’s only Airpoints ferry partner — you earn 1 Airpoints Dollar for every NZ$75 spent on Bluebridge bookings. You can also pay with Afterpay (interest-free, 4 payments over 8 weeks, no Bluebridge admin fee), Apple Pay, Google Pay, or POLi online banking (no card surcharge).
A 1.75% card fee applies to Visa/Mastercard payments online or via the call centre.
When Is the Cheapest Time to Cross Cook Strait?
Peak fares apply from 15 December to 31 January and over Easter weekend — the most expensive window of the year on the Wellington Picton ferry. Off-peak crossings (most of the year outside those dates) offer the best value, especially combined with a Saver Sail fare booked well in advance. Summer and school holiday sailings sell out fast; booking early is the most effective way to lock in the lowest fares.
Book Your Cook Strait Crossing
👉 Browse Bluebridge Wellington to Picton and Picton to Wellington schedules on Ferrynav — compare departure times, fare types, and prices across all available sailings before you book.
