🇳🇿 Journey South: The Ferry Ride That Changed My Mind

Most travelers fly from North to South Island—quick and easy. I used to think so too: "Why waste time en route?" But one ferry ride rewrote my travel philosophy. ⛴️ Why Ferry? Two companies (Interislander/Bluebridge) transport you + your car south. Cost: Based on vehicle size + passenger count. My pick: Interislander’s dawn ferry with hot buffet breakfast as Marlborough Sounds glow outside. 🍳🌅 🚗 The Hidden Perk Peak-season hack: With South Island rental cars sold out, bring your own wheels! No stress, no queues—just freedom. 🌊 The Real Magic Flying misses: ✔️ Dolphins racing the bow 🐬 ✔️ Seals sunbashing on rocky islets 🦭 ✔️ The Sounds’ emerald fingers unfolding—a 3.5-hour IMAX nature film you live inside. #SlowTravelNZ #WellingtonToPicton #SouthIslandRoadTrip #FerryTales