Driving on

Getting your vehicle on board is easier than it looks. Our awesome crew are also there to help you every step of the way to make sure you have a safe and easy journey.

For a faster check in, keep your booking number handy. You’ll need it when you drive through the vehicle check-in. Once done, we’ll give you a boarding pass - that’s all you’ll need to board the ship. If you arrive before the drive-through is open, or you prefer to come inside the terminal, you can now check in faster by using one of the two new kiosks available in our passenger terminals. They’re easy to use and all you need is your booking number. Check-in closes one hour before your sailing.

If you want to change your booking or need any special assistance - e.g. boarding the ship or travelling with a pet – just let us know and we’ll be happy to help. Please remember any alcohol, musical instruments, sporting equipment or large bags must be left in your vehicle. For your safety getting on and off the ship, please wear something on your feet.

As you won’t have access to your vehicle during the sailing, please make sure you have everything you need for your trip in your hand luggage. You’ll be expected to drive your vehicle safely onboard, with the help of our crew. When boarding at night, remember to turn your lights off before you approach the ship's ramp, as to not blind our crew. Double-check your handbrake is on, put it in gear, turn your alarm off, and lock your vehicle. Easy.

2.30am Picton to Wellington sailing

As we can only take a limited number of passengers in vehicles and no walk-ons, check-in and onboard services may look a little different from other sailings.

Check-in is still at the vehicle check-in booth and bathroom facilities will be available at the vehicle lanes, but our passenger terminal building is closed for this sailing.

Onboard, a full cooked breakfast, as well as muesli, fruit, and yoghurts, is available from 5am and a limited range of counter food is available before then. We recommend booking a cabin for this sailing so you arrive in Wellington, refreshed and ready to go!

Walking on

Travelling by foot? You can check in faster by using one of the two new kiosks available now in our passenger terminals. They’re easy to use and all you need is your booking number. Once checked in, the kiosk will print your boarding pass - that’s all you’ll need to board the ship. Or, if you’d prefer, you can check in with the help of our awesome crew in the terminal. Check-in closes one hour before your sailing.

If you’re checking in bags, simply put one of our luggage tags on each item and take them to the bag drop zone. If you want to change your booking or need any special assistance - e.g. boarding the ship or travelling with a pet - just let us know and we’ll be happy to help. Please remember any alcohol, musical instruments, sporting equipment or large bags must be checked in. For your safety getting on and off the ship, please wear something on your feet.

When it’s time to board in Wellington, we’ll guide you on-foot from the terminal to our ship. There are several flights of stairs to board the ship. Let us know if you need assistance boarding. There is a lift available and we can transfer you on to the ship in our passenger van. We may use our passenger van if the weather isn't too flash, to keep you as comfortable as possible.

In Picton, the complimentary Bluebridge shuttle bus will transfer you between the ship and terminal (just a stone throw away).

Bringing your bike? You’ll also need to check in at least one hour before your sailing. In Wellington, we’ll guide you from the terminal to our ship. You can ride to the stern ramp but must walk your bike on and off the ship. No riding on the ship. In Picton, for your safety please cycle behind the Bluebridge shuttle bus when you’re getting on or off the ship. Your bike will be safely stored beneath the decks - out of the weather. We supply lashings to secure bikes to ship rails/brackets, and rags for padding, but recommend you bring your own. Our crew will be nearby if you need a hand.

Motorbikes

We encourage you to bring your own tie-downs for motorbikes to ensure your vehicle is completely safe and secure during the voyage. A member of our staff will be on hand to provide you with assistance or advice if required.

Motorhomes and campervans

We welcome campervans and motorhomes and specifically cater for larger vehicles by offering plenty of space to turn around and park. You’ll be expected to drive your vehicle safely onboard, although our friendly staff members are always close-by if you need a hand!

For extra safety, please ensure you turn off LPG tanks, double-check your handbrake is on, put it in gear, turn-off your alarm and lock your vehicle. When boarding at night, remember to turn your lights off before you approach the ship's ramp so as not to blind our crew.

If you're a member of the New Zealand Motor Caravan Association you're entitled to very special rates with Bluebridge. Visit the NZMCA website for more information.

Motion Sickness

If you find yourself feeling unwell due to motion sickness whilst on board here's some tips that may help:

• Sip water or get some ice chips from one of our friendly crew.
• Looks towards the horizon. Avoid reading or staring at objects inside the ship.
• Wear an ear plug in one ear.

Items available on board that help ease motion sickness:

• Sea-bands are acupressure wrist bands that help relieve nausea.
• Motion sickness medication like Tripease can help.
• Ginger can help. Try ginger tea or ginger beer.

Ask one of our friendly crew for assistance.

Lashing Points for Large Vehicles

For gross vehicle mass of 3.5 tonnes or more, approved lashing points are typically required. These points help secure the vehicle to the ferry deck, preventing movement during rough sea conditions.

Exemptions - Some vehicles are not required to have lashing points, including:

• Passenger vehicles (e.g., cars, minibuses, coaches, buses, motorhomes, caravans, horse trucks)
• Oversize vehicles
• Special vehicles (e.g., fire engines, tow trucks, car transporters, ambulances, horse floats, and those designed for transporting horses or boats)

All other vehicles must meet this requirement.

For more details on heavy vehicle transport, visit the Maritime New Zealand website.

If you have any questions, contact our friendly customer service team on 0800 844 844.

Lashing Point placement

• Two lashing points at the back, one on each side
• two lashing points at the front, one on each side

See arrows on diagram.

Don't have Lashing Points?

Please be aware of the following if your vehicle does not have lashing points:

• Your sailing may still proceed if the crew can find suitable tie-down areas. Final approval will be at the discretion of the ship's master.
• If no secure tie-downs are available and sea conditions are rough, we may need to reschedule your sailing for a later time when conditions are safer.

We will do our best to accommodate your vehicle, however, safety is our top priority.

Checked-in luggage

Our checked-in luggage allowance permits up to a maximum of two bags (up to 30kg per bag) per passenger. If you need to take additional luggage or items this is available from $10/bag. Please note there is no luggage limit restriction for passengers taking vehicles as luggage will remain in your car.

Hand luggage

Please consider other passengers when bringing your hand luggage onboard. We advise keeping your hand luggage to one small item no heavier than 7kgs (plus a handbag) per passenger.

Other over-sized stuff

We take all sorts of awkward-sized items across the Strait like skis, surfboards and musical instruments for $12 per item. You should check them in and we will transport them to ship and store them beneath the decks, inside and out of the weather.

We're unable to check-in canoes or kayaks as they won't fit in the luggage truck. For safety reasons, we can only carry kayaks and canoes if they are lashed to the roof of your vehicle or on a trailer towed by your vehicle. To find out more contact us.

Items on the roof of your vehicle, e.g. a kayak, that are longer than your vehicle won’t be charged for the extra length as long as we’re able to safely park another vehicle under the overhang. If we’re unable to do that, please be prepared to pay for the extra length of the overhang.

Musical Instruments

All musical instruments must be checked in. Musical instruments aren't permitted to be taken onboard or played onboard.

Travelling with pets

If you're travelling with a pet, it's very important you let us know. While service dogs are permitted in passenger lounges, household pets are required to stay in your vehicle (or in one of our hire kennels) for the duration of the sailing. For tips to keep your pet happy and safe while travelling go to travelling with pets here.

Travelling with firearms or hazardous goods

All firearms must be declared when checking in. The same applies to any hazardous goods such as corrosive acids, explosives or flammable products including fireworks. See a full list of dangerous goods items here.

Alcohol

Our liquor licence means that only alcohol purchased on the ship can be consumed on board. Drinking of alcohol is not permitted in the terminals or on premises. All alcohol must be declared and checked in if you are travelling on foot i.e it cannot be carried as hand luggage.

Bikes

If you're walking on with your bike, your bike sails for free. You can even get a discounted ticket if you join the Bluebridge Bike Club. We have bike racks on both ships, though our supply of lashings and padding is very limited so we recommend you bring your own preferred tie downs to ensure your bike makes the journey safely. One of our crew will be on hand if you need help.

Wheelchair access

The Straitsman has full wheelchair access in all areas, while wheelchair access onboard the Strait Feronia is more limited. Please check whether our services meet your requirements on 0800 844 844 (from New Zealand), +64 4 471 6188 (international calls) or email us at booking@bluebridge.co.nz 

Service dogs

We offer free travel for service dogs and mobility dogs, who can access all public areas of our ships. Certified service dogs are able to accompany their owner into all passenger areas. Please let us know prior to departure that you’re travelling with a service dog and ensure you have certification tags or documents handy.

Accessible cabins

The Straitsman offers private wheelchair-friendly cabins containing height adjustable beds with large accessible en suites. All cabins come complete with bed linen and towels.

The cabins have two sets of bunks and one lower bunk has an electrically elevating bed, which at its lowest height is compatible with a wheelchair transfer. At its highest it’s a good height for an attendant carer to assist with changing or dressing. The head and middle of the bed are adjustable to support sitting in bed.

To book your own private cabin, simply add this to your online booking or let our team know when booking via phone. You can also ask at reception on-board before the ferry departs.

Please note that Strait Feronia cabins are more limited and do not have the same accessibility features. Please check whether our services meet your requirements on 0800 844 844 (from New Zealand), +64 4 471 6188 (international calls) or email us at bookings@bluebridge.co.nz