Terms and Conditions

Passage aboard the ship is at the sole discretion of StraitNZ Bluebridge. Departure times are not guaranteed and schedules are subject to change. Journey times are approximate and subject to tidal and weather conditions, StraitNZ Bluebridge will not be liable for any loss suffered as a result of a service either departing or arriving late or early nor any cancellation of a scheduled service.

Under some circumstances suitable photo ID may be required to be presented by passengers upon check-in. Failure to produce suitable photo ID may result in denial of passage.

All gang patches and insignia must be removed before check-in. Failure to comply will result in refusal of travel. Please note that groups of travellers affiliated to an organisation and wearing a patch or insignia may also be asked to remove this before or during travel.

Tickets and vouchers are not to be on-sold to other parties.

Saver Sail fares are non-refundable. You can change your sailing for free as many times as you like as long as you let us know at least one hour before your sailing. Your new travel must be within 12 months of the original travel date. Changes are subject to availability. If the same price fare isn’t available, you can still transfer and pay the price difference.

Super Sail fares are 50% refundable. You can change your sailing for free as many times as you like as long as you let us know at least one hour before your sailing. Your new travel must be within 12 months of the original travel date. Changes are subject to availability. If the same price fare isn’t available, you can still transfer and pay the price difference. Where a Super Sail fare has been upgraded from a Saver Sail the terms and conditions of the original fare will apply.

Flexi Sail fares are 100% refundable if you cancel your booking at least one hour before your sailing, otherwise it will be non-refundable. You can change your sailing for free as many times as you like as long as you let us know at least one hour before your sailing, otherwise it won’t be transferable. Your new travel must be within 12 months of the original travel date. Changes are subject to availability. If the same price fare isn’t available, you can still transfer and pay the price difference. Where a Flexi Sail fare has been upgraded from a Saver Sail or a Super Sail the terms and conditions of the original fare will apply.

From time to time, deals and offers will carry special terms and conditions. In the event these special terms and conditions conflict with our current terms and conditions, the special conditions prevail.

All Passengers – 1 hour prior to the scheduled departure time

Please note – If you report after the check in time you may be denied passage and your reservation allocated to another person - please confirm departure times when booking travel.

All vehicles must apply the handbrake and be left in gear once aboard the ship. All motor homes must turn off their gas bottles before boarding the ship. Carriage of a vehicle may be refused if StraitNZ Bluebridge considers it to be insecurely loaded or otherwise unfit for carriage. Vehicles may be reassessed for size and the fare changed accordingly at time of boarding if required. StraitNZ Bluebridge may secure vehicles using lashings for safety reasons and is not liable for damage that occasionally occurs as a result of movement of the ship.

You will be required to leave your vehicle and remain within the passenger areas throughout the duration of the sailing. Please be aware all vehicle decks are locked at time of departure and you will not be able to access your vehicle until the ship has arrived at its destination.

Allowance is 2 bags per person with a maximum weight of 30kg per bag.

Pets such as dogs and cats must be kept in our kennels which are available for hire for $15.00 each, or they can be kept in your own vehicle for the duration of the journey. Please note that our vehicle decks are locked during the sailing, so if you leave your pet in your car please make sure they have plenty of water and that your windows are left ajar for their comfort and well-being.

All horses and livestock must be booked through StraitNZ Bluebridge freight division, phone: 0800 162 322.or email freight@strait.co.nz

All dangerous goods must be declared prior to check in. If you are travelling with dangerous goods you will be required to complete a dangerous goods declaration manifest. 

Please take time to familiarise yourself with the following dangerous goods limits. If you have any questions about the goods that you are carrying, please contact us on 0800 844 844.

Please note: 
*Diesel with a flashpoint of over 60C can be carried with a limit of 500 Litres
**Flashpoint refers to the temperature where the vapour of a flammable liquid will ignite

Only alcohol purchased on board may be consumed on the ship.

Firearms must be declared when checking in and must be rendered inoperable whilst on the vessel. Firearms must be locked securely in the passenger's vehicle or checked in.

StraitNZ Bluebridge liability is capped in respect of each unit of goods valued at $2000.00 or such other amount as specified under the Carriage of Goods Act 1979. StraitNZ Bluebridge is not liable for any loss of profits, indirect or consequential loss or damage. StraitNZ Bluebridge liability for loss or damage to property may be further limited if you fail to take steps to eliminate the risk of loss, damage or theft of your property. All claims for loss or damage must be received by StraitNZ Bluebridge within 30 days of the sailing in accordance with Section 18 of the Carriage of Goods Act 1979.

We strongly recommend that passengers hold motor vehicle, personal or travel insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances that may arise (including cancellation fees, missed connections, medical and curtailment expenses, early departure from holiday due to death or illness etc). Your insurance should provide cover against personal accident, medical expenses, emergency repatriation and personal liability. We strongly recommend that you take out travel insurance before entering New Zealand. Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry (operated by StraitNZ) does not accept liability for inadequate insurance as well as your failure to effect insurance on your behalf. 

All passengers travelling must hold a valid ticket prior to boarding the ship.

If you are driving a vehicle and are discovered to be harbouring a person attempting to stowaway, or attempting to stow away as a walk on passenger, you and the stowaway will be denied boarding of the vessel, forfeit tickets without refund, and will be issued with trespass notices by Police.

Stowaways discovered on board the vessels will be required to pay the price of a full FLEXI ticket, and Police will be notified to issue trespass notices on arrival at port.

Bluebridge will seek subsequent prosecution for all stowaways.