New Zealand: Cook Strait Ferry to the North Island

We finally headed to the North Island on Monday, April 17, via the Interislander Ferry — Aratere. As we were scheduled to take the 2:15 pm ferry, we stopped by the terminal to drop off out luggage, so we wouldn’t have to lug it around all morning.  When we got there, we found out there was room on the 10:45 am crossing, so we changed our tickets and ran up to gangway 2!  It’s a 3-hour crossing, so leaving early was nice because it got us into Wellington during the day, instead of at rush hour.

Left photo:  As we headed out of Picton, we passed by “the snout,” which is the land formation on the right side of the picture. Right photo:  G and L at the bow of the ferry with the sound in the background as we head out.

Photos below: Standing at the back of the ferry, G and L with Picton in the background and the sun right in their faces!

 

We got seats at a bench (counter) inside that had a great view through the windows on the bow of the ferry.  Both photos: Mike with L and Mike with G.

Beautiful views of the sound as we traveled toward the Cook Strait (area between the South and North Islands).

 

A map of our journey in 2 parts.

New hairdo is funny in the wind, but it’s not blowing in my face! 🙂  G’s hairdo is much more calm. 🙂

 

More cool landscapes as we continue through Queen Charlotte Sound.

Heading out into the open ocean…through these rocks.

These rocks were to our right as we passed through into the Cook Strait.

It was a bit more windy out in the open ocean, so hoods came up…

and then the sweatshirts came down and the kids disappeared…

but they were fine…just enjoying the fresh air! 🙂

First glimpse of Wellington harbour on the North Island!

Not the Titantic, but who can resist?

Waiting for the ferry to dock, so we can disembark.

From the rental car parking lot, a super cool gate with our ferry behind it.

Next stop…Plimmerton, a small suburb of Porirua, which is about 20 minutes north of Wellington (the capital of New Zealand).