Strait Feronia
Operated by Bluebridge
Strait Feronia
Operated by Bluebridge
Operated by Bluebridge on the Picton Wellington route
Built in 1997 and part of the Bluebridge fleet since June 2015, Strait Feronia has been refurbished since entering New Zealand waters. The vessel has the capacity to carry up to 400 passengers and 150 vehicles on each of its crossings. The interior upgrade sees the ship installed with a movie lounge, quiet area, family room, work stations and a new look café and bar service. Free Wi-Fi is also available to all passengers.
Bluebridge provide private cabins whilst travelling across the Cook Strait. The Sleeper Service contains 73 luxurious rooms that deliver a comfortable setting to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and travelling. They also come with en suite facilities. As well as the private cabins, the ferry has spacious contemporary lounge areas aplenty, spread throughout the public areas. You can also find a designated Quiet Room to relax in and specialised family rooms.
If you fancy a bite to eat or something to drink whilst making the crossing, head to the café and Lounge Bar. You’ll be spoilt for choice with premium L’affare coffee, freshly baked breads, tasty cakes and a kiwi-inspired menu carefully prepared by the on board chefs. You can also treat yourself to award winning Marlborough wine as you enjoy your smooth Cook Strait sailing.
Bluebridge ships also come with complimentary free Wi-Fi, meaning you can surf the web as you surf the waves between New Zealand’s two magnificent islands. A viewing deck is situated on the outside of the ship, meaning you won’t be denied the unbelievable views from Marlborough Sounds and the rest of the Cook Strait. The ship’s Movie Lounge is the perfect way to pass time on your journey. If you’ve had enough of taking in the fantastic scenery out on deck Bluebridge provide free viewings of the latest movie releases. Bicycle storage is provided beneath the decks for those arriving to the port on two wheels. Lashings are provided to help secure the bike to rails and brackets, with rags given for padding.
If you’re travelling with the little ones there are plenty of facilities to help ensure a stress free sailing. There are baby changing areas at your disposal and a family room to base yourself in. Every movie shown in the Movie Room is rated PG, meaning that there is something for everyone, including younger voyagers.
Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Strait Feronia guide as accurate as possible, onboard facilities, services and entertainment may vary depending on the date and time of year that you travel, facilities mentioned may change without notification and ferry companies reserve the right to operate vessels other than those mentioned at time of booking without prior notification.
out of 5
95% of our customers recommended this ship
"My experience"
Excellent travel, punctual departure and arrive, competent staff, however sadly the ship wasn't clean enough to my taste (windows). Still recommended.
"Trouble free relaxing trip"
A great experience travelling to the South Island & booked a cabin which was very reasonably priced & gave us a rest on our journey
"Great ride to the South Island "
Beautiful scenery the whole way
"Morning trip from Wellinton/Picton"
Staff/Crew very conscious of Health & Safety when embarking/disembarking, my first time so was mildly apprehesive but had nothing to worry about, amenities were great, crew were awesome & helpful on, nothing too much trouble, awesome up on the viewing deck as it was a lovely day, knowing about the windy conditions, I'm glad I was dressed for it but awesome trip anyway
"Ferry crossing"
Altogether a good experience. Just one little niggle. I wasn't allowed to take my small carry on case onto the boat and had to check it as baggage. I had things in there I needed for the trip but couldn't access them. Noticed other people took small cases on so not sure why I couldn't. Just something to be aware of.
"Fab ferry ride"
Great ferry ride, the 1st hour is more like a scenic cruise.
"Ferry to picton"
Was a lovely crossing very lucky with the weather
"OK but not stellar"
The ship was late on arrival, at first it docked and then went back and apparently wandered around the harbor for an hour, no reason/explanation/apology given, and then docked at exactly the same spot as before, this time for real. Interesting concept. Fortunately, this did not affect our schedule too much. Otherwise, normal ferry, food OK and not overpriced, staff helpful. The return trip was late as well (about half an hour), but that was probably to bad weather, it is not a huge ship and it was swaying quite a bit, but again, no info/apology given. Maybe this is somehow considered normal order of business.
"Customer care par excellence"
We had passed a very trying day, bus breakdown, late ferry departure but the staff at Picton, and, in particular, Paula, went out of their way to make us relax, supplying us with hot drinks etc.
"Delayed but no ones fault "
We were delayed due to bad weather - can’t be helped! Easy booking etc - free water and cake to travellers!! Winner! Food on board good value too
"Ferry crossing to Picton"
Very good crossing. Everything very simple to understand. All at fingertips. Recommend.
"On our way to Wellington "
An excellent crossing with lovely scenic views of the Marlborough Sound. Definitely worth going outside on a sunny day in winter for some bracing fresh air. Easy to pass the time in the nice cafe as well.
"Money refund"
My booked ferry on Sunday was canceled. I would like to ask you to pay me back the cost of the ferry. You are welcome to transfer it back to my credit card. Kind regards Bettina
"Picton to Wellington"
We were over 30 mins late setting off due to boats late arrival into harbor from previous crossing. However it was a comfortable crossing and service was good on board. Cabins are available if needed, food available in dining area and there is a small cinema if you want to see a film during the crossing.
"Picton to Wellington 28/02/19"
Ship left 45 mins late with no explanation and arrived 90 mins late due to 30 knot winds in Cook Strait, the latter was clearly not the fault of the service. We had arranged car hire in Wellington but all of the car rental companies are based in the Interislander terminal which is a taxi ride away if you have luggage. In any case, the office was closed on arrival and only open on the following morning. So it was a taxi trip to the accommodation and a long walk to the car rental office on Friday. Bluebridge staff in terminal were helpful, those on the boat, less so. Moral: if you are crossing from South to North Island and are hiring a car in Wellington, take the Interislander ferry: much less hassle and maybe more punctual. That ferry left on time on Thurs pm 28/02...
"A Wonderful Experience. "
Very professional and polite members of staff.
"Nice crossing "
We got on the ferry no problem then watched a film in the movie room before going for a coffee and muffin before leaving the ferry no problems occurred
"Great trip "
Staff helpful and took suitcases early so we could return our hire car and spend time in Picton before returning to the terminal by shuttle bus. Spacious accommodation Comes into Wellington close to centre so hotel within walking distance.
"Leaving South Island "
We were sad to leave South Island after just over three weeks but the ferry crossing was so interesting spent talking to a delightful passenger from Geraldine that we are now looking forward to traveling around North Island. Technical problems meant we were delayed reaching Wellington but otherwise a good crossing.
"Rough!"
Rough weather when onboard nyt the personnel was smiling, brought paper bags and ice cubes to us travelling and smiled again. Great service!
"Boat trip"
Lovely clean ship, good service at the cafe (delicious cheese scones) and smooth trip
