Crossing the Cook Strait in Style – Kaitaki Plus Lounge Review

Crossing the Cook Strait in Style – Kaitaki Plus Lounge Review 13

After a long, but ridiculously beautiful, drive across the South Island I was ready for a break. The 3-hour+ ferry crossing of the Cook Strait provided just that. Doing so in style in the Interislander Kaitaki Plus lounge made it that much better. Here’s why:

Welcome to the Kaitaki Plus Lounge

Access to the Kaitaki Plus Lounge was a pleasant surprise. I was on my way to Wellington to find out why it is considered the “capital of cool” when I was handed wristbands by the Interislander ticket agent. “These are for the Kaitaki Plus lounge” said the ticket agent sensing the confusion. This pleasant surprise meant a full bar, catered lunch, fast Internet, and cozy couches. Although I was provided access to the Kaitaki Plus lounge complementary, the experience and comfort is more than worth the $45 price tag.

Kaitaki Plus Lounge

Food & Drinks

The food in the Interislander lounge was great – better than what I have experienced in most airline business class lounges around the world. Lunch included at tasty Thai curry, ravioli, and a selection of sandwiches. Then there was a small salad bar, selection of soft drinks in juices, and an espresso machine.

Kaitaki Plus Lounge

Then there was the bar. Everything you could think of including plenty of great New Zealand wine.

Kaitaki Plus Lounge

If that wasn’t enough, a snack tray of sushi and mini eclairs were put out a little later.

What Seasickness?

As we made our way to the open sea the 4-meter swells started to rock the boat. No worries in the Kaitaki Plus lounge. I had plenty of space to stretch out and plenty of sauvignon blanc to help me relax.

Kaitaki Plus Lounge
Kaitaki Plus Lounge

Those Views 

Then, of course, there are the views from crossing the scenic Cook Strait. Although available to all that travel on the Interislander, to be able to enjoy the scenery then head inside the Kaitaki Plus Lounge for a glass of wine and a comfortable seat was pretty great.

Cruise Comfortable

Thanks to the Interislander and their amazing lounge I arrived in Wellington relaxed, refreshed, and a little tipsy – but not from the waves. Again, the comfort and perks in the Kaitaki Plus lounge is worth the price and wouldn’t hesitate to enjoy it again.

Kaitaki Plus Lounge

 Interislander Kaitaki Plus Lounge Good to Know

Lounge cost: $45 NZD+ticket
Includes: cozy seats, fast wifi, food and drink.
Don’t Miss: New Zealand wines, the views, and a nap!


What say you?
Thoughts on the Interislander Kaitaki Plus Lounge?
Let’s hear it!

For more luxury travel reviews from New Zealand and beyond see HERE.


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Although I was provided complimentary access to the Interislander Kaitaki Plus Lounge,
the experience, opinions, and the relaxing journey were my own.


So how does the Kaitaki Plus Lounge rank?

10 Amenities
10 Food & Drink
10 Comfort
10 Value
10
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2 Comments

  1. Avatarsays: Alexander collins

    Yesterday 11th October’s sailing 11am plus lounge was fish and chips it was rubbish could not eat it please don’t serve again

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