So, you’ve soaked up all the sights, sounds and unique experiences of Wellington and found yourself at the Inter-Island Ferry Terminal? Well, congratulations, you’ve arrived at the gateway to the South Island; it’s time to pick up your car hire from the convenient Hertz ferry terminal location and start your trip into a land of majestic natural wonders.
Before you leave
Before you hop on the ferry, it’s worth double-checking that you’ve made the most of your time in Wellington – the Windy City and New Zealand’s adorable capital. With so much to see and do, you won’t want to leave until you’ve soaked it all in.
Whether you’re staying for a short or long period, there’s plenty to enjoy during your time in the creative capital. The CBD is within easy distance from the ferry terminal, where you’ll have access to accommodation, restaurants, cafes, museums, theatres, shopping and everything Wellington has to offer. Whether you rent your car at Hertz’s ferry terminal location or one of our other Wellington offices, it’s a worthwhile exercise if you want to see the city in full.
During your trip
Once you board the ferry, you’ll be on your way to Picton in the South Island; a journey that takes you across the spectacular Cook Strait and is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most beautiful ferry rides. It’s not just a means of getting from A-B, it’s a bucket-list experience in its own right.
The ferry ride is a three-and-a-half-hour journey, beginning with a tour of Wellington Harbour before heading out into strait itself. The Cook Strait, named for British explorer Captain James Cook, is a body of water rich with marine life and stunning natural rock formations. The final stretch before arriving in Picton will be through the Marlborough Sounds, a sheltered and particularly scenic hour-long portion of your journey that many journalists have declared “one of the most scenic ferry rides in the world.”
Arriving in the South Island
Your arrival will be in Picton, a picturesque seaside town at the northern edge of New Zealand’s South Island. Located on a protected harbour, the town boasts many adorable sea-side cafes, restaurants and art galleries. You may also want to pop into the floating maritime museum for a unique experience, or check in with a local operator for fishing, dolphin watching, mountain biking or sea-kayaking experiences.
From Picton, the South Island is open for you to explore in all of its natural glory. Here you’ll find some of the world’s most spectacular wilderness, from snow-covered mountaintops to lush and untouched forests. All accessible by the car you’ve taken with you on the ferry!
