The Solo Scale:

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If you’re planning to spend a long time in New Zealand, you’ll be splitting your time between the North and South Islands. On the North, you have destinations like Bay of Islands, Auckland, Taupo, Napier, Rotorua, and more. It’s beautiful, but it’s only a taste of what’s to come. When you’re ready (or when you’re out of time), you’ll be continuing on to the South Island. One of those options is the Interislander.

Traversing from the North to the South Island of New Zealand really comes in one of two ways. You can go by boat or by plane (because, really, swimming would be a terrible choice). It’s true that a plane will get you to your destination quicker. But, then you don’t get the experience of sailing into the Cook Strait, one of the most beautiful sights around.

For those sailing, you’ll arrive at the terminal in Wellington prior to your departure. Just like an airport, you’ll be able to check your bags. During your journey, you won’t have to keep them on you the whole time. If you’re driving in New Zealand, the boat itself is a ferry, so you’ll be able to drive on with your car (or RV, as is popular).

While on board, there’s a number of amenities, food options and plenty of space to mill around. It isn’t a short hop, though. It takes about 3.5 hours to travel 92km. Make sure that you’re prepared with a book to read or something to watch. For most of the journey, though, there’s natural wonders to see, especially as you get into the Cook Strait.

For a little while, it’s open waters. Other than a few interesting rock formations in the distance and behaviour of the water, there’s no much to do other than try and spot sealife as you sail.

Once you begin heading into the Strait, though, head out to the starboard side of the boat (right side) which will give you some of the most fantastic views as you shift from open water to the Strait. That’s when you want to be out there to see the idyllic and calm waters broken up by the wake of the ferry, and the incredible sights on the shore.

These will be your views as you travel towards Picton. The water calms and you can see the most incredible patterns being shaped right in front of your eyes, the clouds dapple the sky, and if you’re lucky and it’s a sunny day, they’ll illuminate the forests and hilltops on either side of the ferry.

Upon arrival in the ferry terminal, you’re now on the South Island! Picton, to be exact. If you do have the time, lounge around the beach and watch the Interislander depart for its next journey. The beach is a great place to simply relax and read, and if you’re hungry, there’s plenty of cafés nearby in town to get a bite.

If you’re heading between the islands, buy your tickets at the Interislander site to start your journey!

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