New Zealand
Bluebridge
Cook Strait ferries between Wellington and Picton
Est. 2003Wellington, New Zealand
Photo: Tom Ackroyd / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 3h 30m
- Avg crossing
- 2 ro-pax ferries
- Vessels
- 2003
- Founded
Bluebridge is a ferry operator, founded in 2003 and based in Wellington, New Zealand. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 3h 30m.
Timetables
Which routes does Bluebridge operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picton → Wellington | 3h 30m | — | 2 | New Zealand |
| Wellington → Picton | 3h 30m | — | 2 | New Zealand |
Picton1 route
Wellington1 route
Network
Where does Bluebridge sail?
Bluebridge sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Car & campervan decks
- En-suite & dog-friendly cabins
- Pōhutukawa Lounge
- Cafés & Wi-Fi
- One of two ferry lines across New Zealand's Cook Strait
- Passenger brand launched 2003; freight roots to 1992 as Strait Shipping
- Wellington to Picton, ~3h45m through the Marlborough Sounds
- The private rival to the state-owned Interislander
- Ships Connemara and Livia carry cars, campervans and freight
About
About Bluebridge
Bluebridge is one of two ferry lines crossing New Zealand's Cook Strait, the stretch of water separating the North and South Islands. Operated by StraitNZ, the passenger brand launched in 2003, built on a freight business dating to 1992, and it is the private-sector rival to the state-owned Interislander.
Wellington to Picton
Its ships sail the single core route between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island, a roughly three-and-three-quarter-hour crossing that ends with the scenic run through the Marlborough Sounds. The ferries carry cars, campervans, freight and foot passengers.
Fleet and fares
The two ro-pax ships Connemara and Livia offer standard seating, private en-suite cabins, dog-friendly cabins and the premium Pōhutukawa Lounge, with cafés, Wi-Fi and movies on board. Fares are in New Zealand dollars, booked online.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Bluebridge founded?
Bluebridge was founded in 2003, and is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where does Bluebridge sail?
Bluebridge operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in New Zealand, including Picton, Wellington.
What facilities are available on Bluebridge ferries?
Bluebridge ferries typically offer Car & campervan decks, En-suite & dog-friendly cabins, Pōhutukawa Lounge, Cafés & Wi-Fi. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
Are pets allowed on Bluebridge ferries?
Bluebridge accommodates pets on many sailings, though rules vary by route and vessel. Check pet policies and any cabin or kennel requirements with Bluebridge before booking.
How early should I arrive for a Bluebridge ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Bluebridge departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Bluebridge.
How do I find Bluebridge ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Bluebridge route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Bluebridge before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
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