InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington
Overview
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
For over 60 years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breathtaking Marlborough Sounds with over 800,000 passengers every year.
The voyage between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand has been described as one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world and is a ‘must do’ experience for everyone exploring our stunning country.
The three-hour journey gives plenty of time to soak in the scenery and enjoy the fresh, local food and beverages we pride ourselves in.
The spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries run 7 days a week, all year round.
Book your tickets now!
Note: Choose to travel with a vehicle or on foot
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Apart from designated areas, smoking is not permitted inside the ship.
The InterIslander fleet has 2 vessels: The Kaitaki and Kaiārahi.
From Picton, some InterIslander ferry sailing's connect with the Coastal Pacific train service to Kaikoura and Christchurch.
The InterIslander ferry sailing timetable is subject to change, without notice.
Cafes and bar
Fast-food takeaway bar
Movie theater (on select ships)
Lounge areas
Observation deck
Children's play area and nursery
Please note, during off-peak sailing's, some facilities are only open for a limited time
Surcharge applies to additional services including extra luggage, large sporting equipment, traveling with pets. The option of carrying additional bicycles and sporting gear (for example, canoes or surfboards), is an additional cost per item. If you are traveling with dogs, kennels are provided at an extra cost, ensuring your pet's comfort and safety, and your peace of mind. There are a limited number of kennels available
The luggage allowance is two (2) items of baggage per person. Additional baggage items may be carried, subject to availability and on the payment of an additional charge. Larger baggage, including backpacks, must be checked in at the Picton terminal. Baggage can then be collected from the carousels at the port of arrival. InterIslander will not accept individual baggage items which exceed either 23 kilograms in weight, or 200 linear centimeters (height and length and width) in dimension. For safety reasons, there are no exceptions to the weight restriction. However, the restriction in dimension is relaxed for sporting equipment.
Infants aged 1 year and under travel free of charge.
Children aged 2 to 17 years inclusive qualify for the child rate.
Youths aged 17 years and under are not permitted to travel in Premium Lounge.
Children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Interislander ferries connect the South & North Islands of New Zealand, cruising between Picton and Wellington through the stunning Marlborough Sounds. Once onboard enjoy a meal, drink in our bar, stroll the decks, watch a movie or relax in our Premium Lounge. Our two passenger ferries operate seven days a week, all year round, with a range of convenient sailing times. This is a ‘must do’ experience for everyone exploring beautiful Aotearoa New Zealand. Book your tickets now!
What‘s Included
One way InterIslander ferry trip from Picton to Wellington
Access to viewing decks
2x 23kg baggage allowance
Food and beverages (available to purchase on board)
Bicycles and sporting gear may incur a fee, payable at the Terminals
Kennels may be purchased at the terminal for travelling animals
Options
11am + Premium Lounge
11am departure from Picton with Premium Lounge included
11am departure
Ferry departing Picton at 11am arriving Wellington at 2:15pm
2:15pm + Premium Lounge
2:15pm departure from Picton with Premium Lounge included
6:30pm departure
6:30pm departure from Picton
2:15pm + Car 5.5m + Passenger
Passenger + vehicle
6:30pm + Premium Lounge
6:30pm departure from Picton with Premium Lounge included
2.15pm Picton-Wellington
2.15pm departure
9.30am departure
9.30am departure from Picton
2:15pm departure
Ferry departing Picton at 2:15pm arriving Wellington at 5:45pm
Reviews
254 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Long walk to board for people in ate 60.s with backpacks etc..collecting luggage also a pain...
Peter W,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Not always able to run on time. Did not arrive in Wellington till late on..time to check in hotel..grab some food then bed....not what we intended
Poorly managed
Gary W,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00The actual ferry was pleasant enough and the staff were all very helpful. For a three hour boat trip, we were asked check-in two hours before hand (after already experiencing a five hour delay). Getting off the boat was a similar experience. The passenger ramp in Wellington (the capital city of NZ - get it fixed??) was out of action, so we disembarked via the car ramp, after all the cars had gone. Once we finally got off, we waited another 30 mins for the checked in bags. Once we had our bags, it seemed that the ferry terminal was in a taxi and uber “desert” Unless you have a car or camper van, do yourself a huge favour and fly. What a waste of a whole day of our holiday.
Got us there safely
USATraveler73,Mar 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Windows need washed, a little updating of the furniture and usb/c/plug charging would have been beneficial, but this company doesn’t control the weather or the seas. The food/cafe options met the need.
Relax
Patricia B,Feb 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Lovely views and relaxing. If you want something from the restaurant go early otherwise you are limited on what they have.
Ferry crossing
William W,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Viator
4.00Great crossing, advisable to book to ensure your place. Ferry staff were very efficient, with a good selection of food and drinks on board.
Terrific Views
307cliver,Feb 14, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Having been very lucky enough to have taken many ferry trips throughout the world this one, so far is definitely No 1. The journey through Marlborough sound and the islands is visually brilliant, small coves with huts and houses with no access apart from a boat. Numerous types of trees and flora on the hills, fish farms and locals in their small boats making a living. Also the food and drink on the ferry was well priced and delicious so if like us you get the 9.30am ferry I recommend you have your breakfast onboard…😋😋 Finally do not miss the freshly baked scones which are announced when ready but be quick they are snap yup very quickly 😂😂
Give yourself enough time!
Tim P,Feb 10, 2026
- Review from Viator
1.00That they need to be there at least an hour before it sails preferably two hours! We missed our initial crossing and had to wait 4 hrs for the next one!
Offensive staff
David N,Feb 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
2.00So, yes the views as you go through the straits are excellent, the boat is spacious and seating aplenty. The food was good though the sandwiches looked “uninviting”. As we docked, we were led by our tour manager to the disembarkation spot which it seems when we got there was the wrong thing to do as staff wanted to let drivers go through the same area first. Whilst we were moving back away from that area a young maori crew member said loudly that we were “all f’ing simpletons” .. damn offensive!
Read everything, some misleading info
Nicole M,Jan 29, 2026
- Review from Viator
3.00Make sure you read every single thing in the voucher before planning this trip! We drove four hours to the ferry that morning, did not see in the fine print that you have to check in 60 minutes before the ferry leaves. We were able to message someone and they were able to let the ferry operator know that we were almost there. It was very clear in the paperwork, “gates close 60 minutes before the ferry time.” Once we got there, we sat in a huge line of traffic so you really don’t have to be there an hour early. Everything in the paperwork said the ferry was at 2:15, there would not be food available, and there were limits to carry on bags. None of this was accurate. The boat actually left the harbor at 2:02, nobody cared what bags we carried on, and there was an entire food court. It was a great journey, and we were fortunate with a beautiful day, but the information given is not accurate.
Not a sightseeing ferry
William L,Jan 11, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00No issues with the ferry journey. I would, however, caution that this is not a sightseeing ferry but rather a very practical transport option between the islands. If traveling from Picton to Wellington you will only have nice sights of the South Island for about 45 minutes before you’re in the open water.
From NZ$94.70
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