News from Bluebridge Ferry

Autumn Surfari

Fri, 04 May 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Changing Room | Tora by Chris Campos

Two common misconceptions about surfing in New Zealand: the best place to go is Mt Maunganui and the best time to go is summer. Any Kiwi surfer worth their salt knows the best, least crowded waves are found well beyond the beaten track – in places like Wairarapa and Kaikoura – and autumn is the most swell-rich time to explore.

Wairarapa, on the south-east coast of the North Island, and Kaikoura, on the north-east coast of the South Island, are close on the map and in surfing terms they have much in common.

In both places you’ll find powerful, uncrowded waves and spectacular landscapes. Both regions feature long boulder-edged point breaks, sand-spitting river bars and A-frame reef breaks.

Ning Nong | Wairarapa by Chris Campos

Primo conditions

In autumn the blustery gales that usually batter these coasts subside for morning and evening glass-offs. Winds and sea currents arrive uninterrupted from down near Antarctica so pack a good 4/3 steamer and booties for this time of year.

Wildlife

With the large seal colonies and abundant sea life, surfing here can make you feel like you’ve plunged a few links down the food chain. But don’t worry. Shark attacks are rarer than lightening strikes and the adrenalin rush from your first ride will help you focus on the task at hand: to surf perfect waves all day with just a couple of mates and a million sea creatures for company.

Maungamanu surfing! Taken By Heath Melville, courtesy of Kaikoura Tourism

Where to eat

In Southern Wairarapa the Lake Ferry Hotel is hard to beat for an after surf beer and great fish ‘n’ chips. From the garden bar you can watch the sun set behind snow-capped ranges. Kaikoura is the Maori word for crayfish – keep your energy up for surfing with a feast on these delicious local crustaceans, available at roadside caravans.

Where to stay

Kaikoura is a major tourist mecca so there’s no shortage of accommodation in all price ranges. A number of eco lodges offer ‘small footprint’ options for the earth-friendly traveller. In Wairarapa you can combine wave hunting with wine tasting and enjoy boutique accommodation among the famous wineries of Martinborough.

How to get there

If you want to surf Wairarapa and Kaikoura on your Autumn Surfari, at some point you’ll need to catch the ferry from Wellington to Picton. Walk-on passengers will need to pay a small fee for their surfboard but there's no extra luggage charge or limit on how much you can pack in to your car, van or camper. Find out more about Cook Strait ferry ticket prices.

Caught some glassy barrels lately? Send us your pics and we’ll put them on our Facebook page.

Forget the Tour De France!

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

Teams and individuals began in both Cape Reinga and Bluff and are currently winding their way North or South until they reach the Beehive in Wellington where there will no doubt be a huge celebration!

The Tour of New Zealand is an awesome opportunity to sample New Zealand’s diverse landscapes with cyclists riding through vastly different scenery regardless of the island they chose. Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry is proud to be the official Cook Strait Ferry for the tour and supporting such a healthy and fun way for Kiwis and visitors to see our country.

We'll leave you with a video sample of the tour from day 5 which covered Methven to Oxford in the South Island! For more information on the tour including a full breakdown of the daily stages, visit The Tour of New Zealand website.

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Fair-trade NICE BLOCKS now available on board

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

The results are premium crafted Nice Blocks using the most locally sourced organic and spray free fruit they could find, and the most organic and fair-trade cocoa, bananas and raw sugar they could get from their mates in South America.

Every NICE BLOCK contains the minimal amount of added sugar and all are vegan-friendly.

So look out for the NICE BLOCKS freezers on board to try Summer’s New Best Friend from Tommy & James. And at just $3 each they won’t break the bank either! Flavours include:

ORANGE
CHOC COCONUT
STRAWBERRY WITH A DASH OF LEMON
CHOC BANANA
LEMONADE WITH A DASH OF LIME
CHOC RASPBERRY

In Brisbane? About to book Cook Strait ferry tickets?

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

We're hopping across the ditch to visit our Aussie mates this weekend! We'll be at the Brisbane Holiday & Travel Show with an exclusive show offer to help sweeten Queenslanders upcoming New Zealand travel plans.

If you need to catch the Wellington to Picton ferry during your next visit downunder, make sure you come say G'day at booth A44 before you book your Cook Strait Ferry tickets. We can't reveal all here but let's just say you'll be jumping like a roo once you get your hands on this 'suite' little offer!

When : April 14 – 15, 2012

Where: Brisbane Convention Exhibition Centre South Bank Brisbane

Open: 10am to 4:30pm daily

Entry: FREE

Kiwi school holiday ferry fun planned

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +1200

During the last school holidays Koru took his first boat journey across Cook Strait on board Bluebridge to help educate and promote safe summer swimming activities.

Koru spent most of his time entertaining children of all ages with activity books, teaching children how to fit a lifejacket and spreading safe swimming and water safety messages. Children on board the ferry received State Kiwi Swim Safe packs full of stickers and tattoos which were a hit. Koru also visited the bridge with the captain and lookout staff and helped out the hospitality staff with lunch service.

We really support the State Kiwi Swim Safe programme and having Koru on board is a fun way for our staff and Swimming New Zealand to work together to help educate kiwi kids.

Koru and the State Kiwi Swim Safe team sailings:

Friday 20th April 8am Wellington to Picton Ferry
Friday 20th April 2pm Picton to Wellington Ferry
Saturday 21st April 8am Wellington to Picton Ferry
Saturday 21st April 2pm Picton to Wellington Ferry

Find out more about the State Kiwi Swim Safe Programme or learn more about the family facilities available onboard Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries.

Travel advisory notice for 24/03/12

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +1300

This is a major event involving 2500 riders (including 2 Bluebridge teams) and over 120 volunteers.

The event will affect road traffic on SH 1 between Blenheim and Picton, the Queen Charlotte Drive between Picton and Havelock and SH 6 between Havelock and Renwick.

As the official ferry service provider for the event we would like to advise all of our customers leaving or boarding ferries from Picton during these hours that there may be some hold ups caused by this event.

We'd also like to wish all of the participants entering the race a massive GOOD LUCK!

South Island beach photo competition

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1300

The guys at Clean Media are researching for the South Island edition of The Good New Zealand Beach Guide and they need your help. You could win 1 of 7 signed copies of the North Island edition along with the chance to meet the author PLUS if your photo is awesome enough it could feature in the published book! Head on over to our facebook page to enter this 'Beach Babble' contest. We've made it nice and easy for you, so go on spill the beans!

Visit the section of our facebook page called 'Beach Babble'
Upload a photo of your favourite South Island Beach
Attach your message telling us why it's sucha great spot
Get your friends to vote for yours.

Voting closes on Friday 30 March at 4pm (New Zealand, Auckland time). Winners names will be announced on our facebook page between 4pm and 5pm 30 March.

About The NZ Good Beach Guide:

North Island is the first in a two book series covering the entire NZ coastline. It features accurate and up to date reports on over 600 North Island beaches, including details of accommodation, services, clubs and useful websites. Maps and over five hundred photographs are blended to create a book that would make a pretty choice addition to any coffee table or campervan dashboard.

Open publication - More beach guide

Win $500 towards a bach holiday

Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Time at the bach (a small weekend/holiday house or shack) is one of our most honoured traditions in New Zealand and most Kiwis have fond memories of times spent with family and friends at their bach - or someone elses. With over 50,000 baches and over 100,000km of coastline it’s just “what we do” in summer!

Book a Bluebridge journey across Cook Strait for you and your vehicle between now and March 20 2012 and you'll automatically go in the draw to win a $500 voucher from Bookabach - this website provides access to New Zealand's finest baches and holiday homes, apartments and other self-contained accommodation options.

We'll be announcing the lucky winner on Wednesday 21 March on our faceboook page. See full terms and conditions below.

Terms & Conditions

Eligible bookings include those with at least one vehicle plus at least one adult passenger.

To be eligible the booking must be made directly with Bluebridge and not via an agent i.e. reservation must be made via our website or our call centre.

All bookings confirmed and paid between 6pm Wednesday 29 February and 5pm Tuesday 20 March 2012 (NZ, Auckland time) which adhere to the above conditions will automatically go in the draw to win this prize.

Winner's name will be published on this website and our facebook page. The winner will be contacted directly using the contact information in their reservation.

Bookabach voucher terms and conditions

Vouchers are non-refundable. They are not legal tender and can not be redeemed for cash, or used as cash.

Vouchers are non-transferable once registered to a specific recipient member on Bookabach.

Vouchers are single-use only and must be used on a single booking on a Bookabach NZ property. They are not valid for use on Bookastay Australia or Pacific Islands properties.

You must have an Accepted or Confirmed booking to use this voucher. Any booking requests you make are subject to standard property availability and owner/manager acceptance.

As always, when renting a property on Bookabach you deal direct with the owner/manager of the property. Any terms and conditions related to the rental itself, including but not limited to cancellations terms, are dictated by the owner/manager, not Bookabach. Please insist that the owner/manager provides written Rental Terms and Conditions.

Vouchers must be redeemed on or before the expiry date shown (NZST). No extensions are provided.

Any unused funds related to partially used vouchers (where the rental is less than the voucher value) or expired vouchers are forfeited.

You are responsible for the security of this voucher. Bookabach can not re-issue lost or stolen vouchers.

Bookabach retains the right to cancel vouchers believed to be generated fraudulently, or accidentally for whatever reason. The value of the voucher is dictated by the amount paid for the voucher and the information held in our database not by what is shown on this voucher.

Like us for a sweet student deal...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

*Full terms and conditions

The Great Pascall Road Trip is on its way to Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry!

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 00:00:00 +1300

Clarke Gayford is bringing the ultimate kiwi road trip to life over two whole weeks with New Zealand’s favourite lollies.

Each day means a new town, and a new adventure – it could be swimming with dolphins in Paihia, jumping off the Sky Tower, or cruising the Cook Strait. PLUS there are plenty of FREE Pascall lollies to be handed out every day of the tour including Bluebridge Ferry! The Britz campervan, filled to the brim with Pascall lollies like Pineapple Lumps, Party Pack, Fruit Bursts, Jet Planes and Minties (YUM) will be at our Wellington Bluebridge Terminal on Tuesday 24th January from 7am, crossing the Cook Strait on the 8am Santa Regina sailing. If you're booked on this sailing make sure you say 'Hi' to Clarke and grab yourself some free Pascall treats.

You can also help create Clarke’s dream itinerary and ensure The Great Pascall Road Trip comes to your town! Simply nominate your town on the MORE FM website and you’ll go into the draw to WIN your very own Great Pascall Road Trip care of Britz campervans, including a 7 day holiday in a Britz campervan plus $5000 cash!

NOMINATE YOUR TOWN NOW! Because The Great Pascall Road Trip kicks off on Monday 16th January!

The Great Pascall Road Trip is brought to you by Pascall lollies, New Zealand’s favourite lollies. Enjoy them on your summer road trip, and all year round.

It's going to be a 'Rocksteady' Summer!

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Touted as “possibly the best dance band ever to play the Mussel Inn” in 2011 by proprietor Andrew Dixon, the Wellington-based band are excited to be returning to the top of the South. Two of the players are local lads, lead vocalist Chris Winwood and guitarist/backing vocalist Tim Key were both born and raised in Nelson. The Rocksteady boys (yes, all twelve members are male) will begin their tour by jamming their way across Cook Strait on the Bluebridge Ferry (2nd January 8am sailing), then heading on to: the Free House, Nelson, January 2nd (8pm start, 10pm finish, so get there early!); Tim’s Place, Marahau, January 3rd; over the crystal mountain to the legendary Mussel Inn, Onekaka, Golden Bay, January 4, then, playing their passage again, back over the Strait on the Bluebridge Ferry (5th January, 2pm sailing). After one night's rest at home in Wellington the tour party parties on northwards!

The 'Bottoms Up' Summer Tour is somewhat of a pilgrimage for Newtown Rocksteady, culminating in band-mate and trombonist Maz Hermon’s wedding in Whangarei on January 14. Along the way the band play gigs in Raglan, Whakatane, Tauranga, the Coromandel, Leigh, and Kaiwaka.

Newtown Rocksteady was established in Wellington, 2007, as a free Friday night dance band at the Newtown Community Centre. Since then, they have played literally hundreds of concerts throughout Wellington and beyond, transforming a collective of fun, inspired musicians into the capital’s go-to party band. Featuring members of Fly My Pretties, The Nudge, Hikoikoi, Roy G and the Bivinators, The Roseneath Centennial Ragtime Band, Bella Cajon, and many more, Newtown Rocksteady showcases some of Wellington’s hardest working musicians at their irie grooving best.

Playing in support throughout the tour will be Fraser Ross and the Felt Tips. Fraser is an enigmatic singer-songwriter whose quick-witted lyricism and endearingly heartfelt singing will move you to laughter and/or tears. You will fall in love with Fraser, or at least your girlfriend will!

Upcoming performances:

Wellington to Picton on Friday 3rd February 8am Sailing and Picton to Wellington on Monday 6th February 2pm Sailing

Nan - our 'good sort' of the year!

Fri, 30 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Nancy "Nan" Raine, 83 with her red Jaguar full of presents

About 4 months ago this great granny drove from Tauranga to Christchurch with a car load of food and $1600.00 given to her by the Church of Christ to help those affected by the earthquake. The Police, Plunket and Burwood hosital helped her get to the most urgent cases and were an enormous help.

On arrival in Christchurch she distributed what she had in her car then went out daily for 2 weeks shopping for food then delivered to the most needy she was able to find. This time Nan decided to make Xmas a little better for the children of families, and drove down with over 200 parcels to be handed out to children just to brighten Xmas a little. As an 83 year old with 5 children, 11 grandchildren and 13 greatgrandchildren she is well aware how children look forward to the fun of parcel opening and even small objects are sometimes treasures to the little ones. This spurted her on and she received help and support from many friends and shopkeepers for which she is grateful.

Once again she says thankyou to all who supported her efforts and without whom she would have had to work a lot harder. And a big thankyou to Bluebridge who supported her on both occasions.

"Helping one another is what life is all about. How easy it can be just to sit in a chair and do nothing but I am fit and have been blessed with good health and the ability to still drive my large car so I enjoy doing so and mostly enjoy seeing the childrens' faces light up when they learn that I've travelled such a long distance just to be with them and bring with me the love of others throughout New Zealand who are still thinking about what the people of Christchurch are going through."

A little loving for our coastlines

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

We're so proud of our partnership with Sustainable Coastlines and fully commited to helping them get litter off our beaches. Infact this afternoon we got right amongst it ourselves. Checkout the photos below of our pretty impressive garbage haul! Big ups to Sam and the guys at Sustainable Coastlines for coordinating such a great Love Your Coast clean-up and to everyone who joined in today -you all worked so hard.

We hope that other Wellingtonians will be inspired to participate in one of the many large scale clean-ups going on in and around the city tommorow. All you need to do is turn up at one of the seven stations from 10am to 2pm (except at Porirua -- meet from 12pm - 4pm), collect rubbish sacks and gloves and head down to the coast to pick-up as much rubbish as you can. Click here to check out locations of all event stations or find out more about Sustainable Coastlines and the important work they do.

Picton Santa Parade pulls large crowd

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

There were around 30 floats in the Picton Santa Parade this year along with marching teams and kids of all ages on decorated trikes, bikes and scooters.

The Picton pipe band played Snoopy's Christmas as free goodies from local businesses were dished out to the hundreds who lined Picton's main street. And for those who wanted to experience even more Chritmas spirit, there was free face painting and photo opportunities with Santa down at the foreshore just after the parade.

It was an awesome free day out for the whole family proving yet again, that Picton really is the coolest little port around! Checkout the photos below.

Market stalls lined the foreshore for some shopping in paradise

Taco Bill warm-up the crowd with a catchy little tune, meanwhile some local kids decided it would be fun to have a dance

Picton Kindergarten showing everyone how to get to the North Pole.

The Bluebridge vehicles looking just a tad more festive than usual.

The Picton Posties!

How cool is this Christmas bike? It even has it's own tree.

It's all about the big red guy.

It's hard work having fun or could we be witnessing a sugar crash from all that free candy?

Koru the kiwi on-board these holidays

Sat, 03 Dec 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Great news boys and girls! Swimming New Zealand’s giant kiwi mascot Koru will be sailing back and forth across Cook Strait with us during the school holidays sharing his water safety message with fellow kiwis like you.

Koru and his ‘Learn to Swim’ team will be entertaining children of all ages with free educational games, competitions, quizzes and puzzles onboard. There will be prizes and giveaways so if you’re booked on one of the sailings below, make sure you head over to the Swimming NZ zone onboard our ship and say Kia Ora to Koru. He’s rather large –you won’t miss him!

December 20th at 8am ex Wellington
December 20th at 2pm ex Picton
December 21st at 1.30pm ex Wellington
December 21st at 7pm ex Picton

Learn more about the State Kiwi Swim Safe Program or read about family facilities available onboard Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry.

Kids of all ages can enjoy Koru's water and beach safety programme as they cross Cook Strait these school holidays.

We came 2nd place in the QCC

Sat, 05 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The competitors’ briefing outside Dolphin Watch on the Picton Foreshore. A perfect day in paradise.

Runners boarding a Beachcomber Cruise Boat to travel across the Queen Charlotte Sound, to the gorgeous Mistletoe Bay

Kayaks line up on Picton Foreshore prior to the race

Early kayaker finishing with the Bluebridge Santa Regina ship berthing in background.

Theo running towards changeover -legs feeling like jelly after a 1 hour bike ride!

Action shot of Brett in the streamlined speed machine, nearly there!

Brett Baxter, Ellie Stuart & Theo Sloot – Team Bluebridge 2011. Well done guys, great effort!

Free travel for the student driver of any car that makes it to our ferry!

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Book your car on one of our ferries to travel anytime during November and you, as a student driver, will travel for FREE. Saving you more than $50! But hurry this offer is only available for a limited time.To book, call us now on 0800 844 844

Terms & Conditions

Offer available: 4th - 18th November 2011
Available to current tertiary student ID cardholders (card must be shown on check-in)
Payment required at the time of booking
Failure to present valid tertiary student ID card will require the difference in fare to be paid prior to travel
Valid travel period: 5th - 30th November 2011. (Transferring outside of these dates will void the discount and any increase in fare to that available will be required to be paid before travel)
Standard fare conditions apply
Subject to availability
Bookings must be made through the Bluebridge call centre, offer cannot be booked online
Not available in conjunction with other special offers/concessions

Nelson Arts Festival goes to the dogs

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Asha the dog with (from left) Freya Fleming, Bianca Rosewarne, Tegan Fleming, Owen Barnett and Jordie Mockett-Flewellen dressed in a cowboy theme. Photo by MARTIN DE RUYTER

The Pet Art Wear show was one of the highlights of the Bluebridge Family Finale which attracted an estimated 3000 people to the Founders Heritage Park Village on Labour Day.

The day's entertainment also included performances by the Nelson World Ukulele Orchestra and Wellington's Newtown Rock Steady.

We awarded the top prize to the Crompton-Loader family of Nelson who, including dogs Scrappy and Emily, went dressed as Hairy Maclary and his friends. The family won a return trip to Wellington with us and a voucher from Halifax Veterinary Centre.

Sarah Loader said the kids loved taking part in the show and the win came as a complete surprise. Well done guys, we're glad you had fun!

For more information about the Bluebridge Family Finale Day or to the view the entire Nelson Arts Festival programme click here

Adrienne Owen with dog Peggy. Photo by MARTIN DE RUYTER

Work begins on jetty for Kaipupu

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Bellbird photo taken by Diane John

How can you help us?

Kaipupu still need donations to complete the pest eradication and fund the tracks. Get your name recorded by sponsoring a metre of track for $20. See if we can bring forward the opening date, before Christmas 2012. Every little bit helps.

Visit The Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary Website to find out how you can become a sponsor, a volunteer or a friend of the sanctuary.

Tui and Kiwi bird song soft toys are for sale onboard, all proceeds help Kaipupu Point Wildlife Sanctuary

The shop at 23 High St in Picton has a children's corner where, for a gold coin donation, children can get a new Kids' Fun Pack containing activities involving our native birds and Kaipupu sanctuary. The window display has attracted a lot of comments and donations from locals and visitors.

There is also a range of merchandise for sale including bird song soft toys, bags, jackets and cards, which are also available on our ferries. These have been very popoular with Aussie, South African and British rugby fans from cruise ships and campervans. Their generosity and interest confirms that Kaipupu will be a major attraction for visitors to Picton. So help us help Kaipupu Point become a significant showpiece of nature restoration that all kiwis can be proud of!

Win a Cookie Muncher Colouring Competition

Thu, 13 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

Congratulations to our winners Egypt Naera (11 years) & Jago Birley (7 years)!!!

To celebrate the arrival of the good old kiwi favourites Cookie Time, we're running a colouring competition these school holidays onboard our ships! 2 x Cookie Muncher Gift Packs are up for grabs plus every entry recieves a FREE Rookie Cookie. This is the 'Rookie' version of New Zealand's favourite cookie - the Cookie Time Original Chocolate Chunk. It's the same recipe, the same look - just a 'Rookie' size!

Instructions

Click on one of the following links to download the attached PDF files: Bluebridge Family or Mermaid
Print off a copy
Colour it in! Use your imagination, go wild and have fun!
Write your name, address, phone number and how old you are on the back.
Pass it to one of the Bluebridge crew onboard our ship when you set sail with us.
You’ll receive a free rookie cookie and go in the draw to win the main prize.

Competition Terms and Conditions

Entry is open to Bluebridge Customers aged 5-12 only. Anyone employed by (and any immediate family member of someone employed) Bluebridge/Strait Shipping, All sponsors, associates and any agencies associated with these companies or with the promotion are ineligible to enter.

Entries close Monday, October 24, 2011. Limit of one entry per person. The draw will take place on Friday, October 28, 2011.

Entries must be submitted to a staff member onboard either of our vessels (The Santa Regina or Straitsman) during that entrant’s sailing. Each valid entry will receive a Cookie Time “Rookie Cookie” upon submission.

The main prize winner will be notified by phone. If a prize is not claimed within 24 hours of a draw Bluebridge may re-draw a new winner of that prize.

Entries become the property of Bluebridge. In accordance with the Privacy Act 1993, Bluebridge collects and holds personal information to conduct the promotion, notify prize winners and verify prize winners' identities, Failure to provide all requested personal information may result in the entry being invalid.

Did you see the Bluebridge flash mob?

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 +1300

We surprised the pants off commuters in down town Wellington yesterday with a Bluebridge dancing flash mob. Over 80 participants joined our 12 “Bluebridge Sailors” in a fun hip-hop dance routine. A few random members of the public even got in on the action! We’d like to thank the Wellington City Council, Vidcom and most importantly Infinite Dance Crew –our talented sailors. Missed the flashmob? Check out the photos below or watch the official video here

Infinite Dance Crew is an all female hip hop crew based in Wellington. Formed in 2008, the group is now made up of twelve members, who all share the same passion and love of hip hop dance. Infinite are the current New Zealand Hip Hop Champions and we're helping them get to the Gold Coast, Australia to compete in the FISAF World Championships next week!

If you’d also like to show your support for the crew (maybe even buy an official tee!) contact them via the Infinite Dance Crew Facebook page. GOOD LUCK TEAM!

Slow mo!

Stomp!

Big group finale facing the Railway Station entrace

Top Row (left to right): Becky Cooke, Esther Lau Young, Elise Hoggard, Anna Robinson, Grace Lynes, Bella Austin Bottom Row: Louise Baker, Rinaha Bridge-Comer, Alex Carter, Sarah Courtney, Libby Calder (Coach), Brianna Coughlin

Santa Regina gets a makeover

Mon, 15 Aug 2011 00:00:00 +1200

One of our Bluebridge ferries - the Santa Regina is back in Wellington after a two week makeover during its bi-annual dry-dock in Auckland. We’ve compiled a list of all the work completed on her for all you shipping enthusiasts out there!

Underwater parts of the hull were cleaned and painted.
Topsides and Superstructure cleaned and painted.
Refurbishing of the crew mess room.
Port Main Engine: Overhaul 6 units + renew all main bearings.
Air coolers for main and auxiliary engines cleaned by ultrasonic methods; these were done by Metal Immersions (Wellington).
Steel repairs to P and S aft quarters; these were damages that had occurred a few months prior to the docking.
Steel repairs as required in various ballast tanks.
Survey of main exhaust gas boilers and the auxiliary boiler.
Steel repair in the fore peak tank.
Tail shaft and rudder clearances.
Renewal of all sacrificial anodes on the hull and inside tanks.
Various surveys as required by Lloyds Register.
Various motors and pumps overhauled which may not otherwise be accessed while the ship is in service.
Repairs to navigational lights and associated masts.
Polishing of the propeller blades (main propulsion and bow thrusters).
Inspection and calibration of the anchors (P and S ) and chains.
Cleaning of E/R bilge and sludge tanks.
Renewal of various pipelines.
Main and auxiliary stern doors cleaned, inspected and painted; repairs carried out as required.
Life boat decks insulation repaired.

Crazy about Rugby Campers

Fri, 15 Jul 2011 00:00:00 +1200

A very distinctive fleet of ten campervans are working their way down the country in a convoy, stopping at key tourism destinations along the way until they reach Dunedin to support the All Blacks in their test match against Fiji on 22 July.

Each Britz campervan is named after iconic All Blacks past and present, including McCaw, Dalton, Howlett, Jones, Kirkpatrick, Kirwan, Leslie, Meads, Thorne and Wilson. Today we were lucky enough to take a peek inside and help the crazy campers cross the strait. Watch out South Island, here they come! You can track their journey and see more photos here.

Peter Ellison -General Manager of Bluebridge in the line out!

Bluebridge Helping Clean Up Coastlines

Thu, 07 Apr 2011 00:00:00 +1200

Sustainable Coastlines coordinate and support large-scale coastal clean-up events, riparian planting projects, schools educational roadshows, public awareness campaigns and other projects aimed at protecting and sustaining our coastlines. Through these projects they motivate volunteers and communities around Aotearoa / New Zealand and the Pacific to look after the coastlines we all love

As supporters of the initiative we'll be participating in clean-up events and providing the Sustainable Coastlines team with transport between the islands. For more info or to find out how you can get involved visit www.sustainablecoastinles.org

Cabins go down a treat with passengers

Wed, 16 Mar 2011 00:00:00 +1300

The selection of two and four berth private cabins – complete with their own ensuites – have been proving popular with passengers since the ship joined the Bluebridge service in December. Two berth cabins are available for hire for $40 one way, while a larger family size four berth cabin (plus portacot if required) costs $60 one way. All cabins come complete with bed linen and towels. The Straitsman – which has been assessed as fully wheelchair accessible – also has private wheelchair friendly cabins containing height adjustable beds and a large accessible ensuite. To book a cabin passengers should ask at reception onboard the Straitsman before the sailing departs.