Cook Strait & Bass Strait: Planning Vehicle Ferries for Summer 2026–27
New Zealand and Tasmania's summer runs from December to February — vehicle space on the big crossings sells out over the holidays, so plan ahead.
Seasonal advisory· valid until February 28, 2027
It is winter in the southern hemisphere now, but the busiest ferry season down under is the December to February summer — and the vehicle crossings are worth planning months ahead. If you are mapping a road trip across New Zealand or over to Tasmania in Australia, book early.
Cook Strait
The Wellington to Picton crossing links New Zealand''s North and South Islands, and car and campervan space sells out over the Christmas–New Year holidays. Both Interislander and Bluebridge run the route; reserve vehicle space well ahead for late December and January, and allow buffer time, as strong Cook Strait winds can occasionally delay sailings.
Bass Strait to Tasmania
The Geelong to Devonport crossing on the Spirit of Tasmania is the only vehicle ferry to Tasmania, and its cabins and car decks are the first to go over the summer holidays and Easter. If you are bringing a car, caravan or motorhome, treat the December–January window as a book-months-ahead period.
- Reserve vehicle and cabin space early for late December through January.
- Foot-passenger and short-notice travel is easier outside the holiday peak.
- Always confirm sailing times close to travel — southern-ocean weather can shift schedules.
Frequently asked questions
When is the busiest ferry season in New Zealand and Australia?
The southern-hemisphere summer, December to February. Vehicle space on Cook Strait and the Spirit of Tasmania sells out over the Christmas–New Year holidays, so book campervans and cars months ahead.
How far ahead should I book the Cook Strait ferry for summer?
For late December and January, reserve vehicle space as early as you can. Both Interislander and Bluebridge run Wellington–Picton; see <a href="/ferries/new-zealand">the New Zealand ferry guide</a>.
Is the Spirit of Tasmania hard to book in summer?
Yes — its cabins and car decks fill first over the summer holidays and Easter. It is the only vehicle ferry to Tasmania, so book the Geelong–Devonport crossing well ahead.