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.
Our three spacious and comfortable Interislander ferries - Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi - cross the Cook Strait at regular times, 7 days a week, all year round.
Book your tickets now!
Note: This InterIslander option does not allow travel with your vehicle.
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‘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
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!
Options
2:15pm + Car 5.5m + Passenger
Passenger + vehicle
2:15pm + Premium Lounge
2:15pm departure from Picton with Premium Lounge included
6:30pm departure
6:30pm departure from Picton
11am + Premium Lounge
11am departure from Picton with Premium Lounge included
9.30am departure
9.30am departure from Picton
2:15pm departure
Ferry departing Picton at 2:15pm arriving Wellington at 5:45pm
11am departure
Ferry departing Picton at 11am arriving Wellington at 2:15pm
6:30pm + Premium Lounge
6:30pm departure from Picton with Premium Lounge included
Reviews
239 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Smooth sailing
Fiona S,
Apr 6, 2025
- Viator
5.00Booked the ferry to link the great journeys from picton to Wellington. I booked the premium lounge which included all food and drink and very comfortable surroundings for the entire crossing. The food was delicious! Beautiful views from the outside decks, of picton, cooks strait as you leave and Wellington on arrival. Didn’t see any dolphins or whales but apparently they are often spotted. Was a smooth sailing across Marlborough sounds. Foot passengers boarded first and were off the boat last due to connecting up the gangway. The port is a little further out of the city than the blue bridge ferry service (not sure what they’re like but the boats don’t look as nice!). You have an option of taking a free shuttle bus to the train station or getting your own transport into the city. Centre. Don’t take a cab into the city from the port…it’s a rip off! They all wanted $40, so I booked an uber for $13!
Scenic ferry trip through Cook Strait
tinakelly,
Feb 18, 2025
- Viator
5.00Stunning crossing , luckily calm and sunny day so views fantastic. Nice ferry, great views on open deck 10 and 7
Good on board was...
Linda L,
Feb 15, 2025
- Viator
4.00Good on board was excellent. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Boarding in Picton was somewhat chaotic in that there were quite a few stairs that needed to be negotiated to get on board and we were not prepared for that challenge. The ferry departed about an hour late and arrived in Wellington a little bit late, which made us very anxious about catching our flight onward to Auckland. But we made it just fine. All in all the experience was an adventure and the ride was beautiful.
Cold windy crossing
Julia R,
Jan 17, 2025
- Viator
4.00Unfortunately it was very cold, windy and overcast on the day we sailed so we had to sit inside. So didn't get to experience the beautiful views and scenery.
Picton ferry
Lynn G,
Dec 29, 2024
- Viator
3.00The ferry from Picton to Wellington was a bit lackluster but effective. Staff was very nice and helpful. The premium lounge was small and seating almost comfortable.
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