Can you take a car from North Island to South Island New Zealand?
Can you take a car from North Island to South Island New Zealand? It takes around three hours to go from the North Island to the South Island by ferry. Remember, apart from Apex and GO Rentals, rental providers generally don't allow their vehicles to be taken on the ferry, so you'll need to drop off your vehicle either at Wellington or Picton before boarding.
What is the longest train ride in NZ?
Explore the rural heart of New Zealand's North Island on this epic 648km journey from Auckland to Wellington by train.
What is the cheapest way to get from North Island to South Island New Zealand?
Taking the ferry without a vehicle is the cheapest - and also the most convenient - way of crossing the strait - and if you book with us you will leave your existing rental vehicle at one end, and pick up a new one at the other.
Can you take a rental car between islands in New Zealand?
MULTI ISLAND HIRE The Multi-Island Hire sets up one booking for your entire journey. Customers travelling between the North and South Island are permitted to take Avis rental vehicles on the Inter-Island ferries across Cook Strait.
Is it better to visit the North or South Island of New Zealand?
Generally speaking, if you want to engage with city culture or explore Maori history, the North Island is for you. If you want to deep-dive into nature, the South Island has plenty of lakes, mountains, fjords, and glaciers to discover.
How rough is the Cook Strait?
Cook Strait can also be one of the world's roughest stretches of water. It's part of the westerly wind belt known as the Roaring Forties. As the only gap between the mountainous main islands of the country, the strait acts like a huge wind tunnel.
Can you swim between North and South Island New Zealand?
A Scot has set a new world record for the fastest swim across the Cook Strait - the waters between New Zealand's North and South Islands. Andy Donaldson, 31, swam through the night to complete the 23km route in four hours and 33 minutes. It was the third leg of seven comprising the Oceans Seven challenge.
Is it easy to drive in South Island New Zealand?
The roads are often narrow and hilly with twists and turns so may take longer to drive than you expect. Our time and distance calculator can help you plan your itinerary. Outside of the main cities, there are very few motorways. Most of our roads are two-way with one lane in each direction and no barriers in-between.
Do you need a car to explore New Zealand?
Do you need a car in New Zealand? There are definitely a few cons to going carless in New Zealand, but no, you don't NEED a car to travel the country. Ultimately, I'm happy with my choice to travel without one. I spent almost a year traveling New Zealand without a car and I found it to be quite simple—and fun!
Can I take a rental car on the Interislander ferry?
All our tour itineraries are arranged so that you drop one rental car at either Picton or Wellington and collect a replacement car on arrival to the other side. This saves you money as taking a car on the ferry is expensive.
Can you take a car on the ferry from North to South Island New Zealand?
We sail between the North Island and South Island (Wellington and Picton) daily carrying passengers, cars, trucks and rail wagons. Along with the breathtaking views, enjoy our locally sourced food and beverages, cinemas, free kids activities and premium lounges on board our ferries.