Inter Islander Ferry seasonal?

I'm planning a big trip around New Zealand next July and am hoping to catch the Inter Islander Ferry at least once.

The website is only allowing me to book as far ahead as April at the moment, is this because the ferry only goes at certain times of the year?

If this is the case, what would be the best option to take in terms of travelling between the two islands?

Thanks in advance.

went by ferry from wellington. not cheap for 2 of us plus vehicle. return trip. could have flown to England and back for less. but it was a learning curve. had not checked out ferry costs before renting the car. but time has eased the wallet hit. lol.

Was waiting for a local (Westwood?) to reply - am just guessing that they only take bookings so many months in advance. Am pretty sure the ferries run all year round.

#1, Most rental car companies let you drop the car at one end and pick up another at the other end. You don't need to take the car on the ferry.

why you don't want to fly from wellington to Christchurch? expensive? or you want to teste the ferry?

Of course it runs all year.-- dependent on weather conditions or the odd breakdown. After all, its the only surface connection between the islands. Can be really rough through winter once you get past the Heads both ends
If you cant yet book past April it may be because they havent released their winter timetable yet..

Thanks for the responses everyone, much appreciated.

@goodlijie: I did consider flying but thought the ferry would be more interesting, plus I'm keen to see the northern part of the South Island as well.

Bear in mind when choosing the crossing departure time that in July it will be dark by approximately 17.00. No point in coming through the stunning Marlborough Sounds if it will be pitch dark on arrival in Picton!:)

Yes,that will be very nice in north of south island. I think I will drive from picton to nelson, and stay one day at least in nelson. Then go to Abel Tasman national park.

I am planning this route for my trip to New Zealand in a few days . Apex rent a car includes the cost of the car ferry. They are the least expensive that I've found in my research. You do have to pay for each passenger at the time of booking the rental car though.

Lets hope you're not bad sailors. Its been pretty windy lately (though not too bad today but I live in Auckland) so it could be a rough crossing.

Speaking of weather, what is the weather like there now. Should we bring summer or winter clothes, or a combo of both?

There is another ferry company going between the islands called bluebridge. It goes all year round too.

Unless you come from a cold climate, it will seem cold. Might be spring but it still isnt very warm. Layers probably the way to go. Definitely not a full summer wardrobe.

OK. Thanks for input about the weather. I was under the impression based on the weather charts, that it would be quite warm.

DEFINITELY pack clothes you can layer! I was there this January (the middle of Summer) and it was 15 degrees or 59 farenheit... plus with the wind chill factor it was super cold. So suggest some long sleeves, jumper and jacket with scarf too.

I certainly hope you can take the ferry, it was one of the highlights of my journey in NZ. Spectacular views, have your camera ready. Also try and get on early and head to the food court area, walk past that and out to the glass windows. This area fills up fast so grab chairs and get comfy by the glass. You can then easily go to the bathroom and grab coffees etc throughout your trip. We went right up to the top for the last 20 mins of our trip and it was freezing but beautiful. Let me know if you want some restaurant suggestions while you're there. I found the food hit and miss at times.

Thanks so much. We are here now. It was beautiful the first day, but rained yesterday. Yes, it's very cool.

Thanks for the tips about the ferry. We would certainly appreciate suggestions about restaurants. That has indeed been a challenge.

Hi travelmaven,

Glad you're enjoying it so far. Here is a blog post i wrote about all the places I loved to eat when we were in NZ. I only write about places I really like and that my chef husband gives the stamp of approval! So I hope this helps you. Have a wonderful time. If you have any more questions let me know!
http://www.grazetheearth.com.au/new-zealand/new-zealand-you-had-me-at-hullo/

They travel all year. We did the crossing in July. The section coming into south island is stunning. Just bring your own food. I caught the early ferry and was looking forward to a leisurely breakfast on board. Spent a fortune on it and it was completely inedible (and we are not fussy). Its pot luck how rough it is. Like I said we did it in July and didn't feel a single movement - like glass.