InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton
Overview
3 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
For over 60 years, Interislander has been sharing the stunning scenery of Wellington Harbour and the breath-taking 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!
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.
Check in at the terminal at least 60 minutes prior to departure time
Cafes and a food court
Fast-food takeaway bar
Movie theater (on selected ships)
Lounge and tavern bar
Observation deck
Children's play area and nursery
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 Wellington 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 the 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 Wellington to Picton
Access to viewing decks
2x 23kg baggage allowance
Free shuttle from Wellington Railway Station (Platform 10) 75 mins before sailing departs
Food and drinks (can be purchased on board)
Kennels may be purchased at the terminal for travelling animals
Bicycles and sporting gear may incur a fee, payable at the Terminals
What To Expect
Interislander ferries connect the North & South Islands of New Zealand, cruising between Wellington and Picton 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! Note: Choose to travel with a vehicle or on foot.
Options
4:00pm + Premium Lounge
4:00pm departure from Wellington with Premium Lounge included
4:00pm departure
Ferry departing Wellington at 4:00pm arriving Picton at 7:30pm
8:45am + Car 5.5m + Passenger
Passenger + vehicle
1pm departure
1pm departure from Wellington
8:45am departure
Ferry departing Wellington at 8.45am arriving Picton at 12.15pm
8:45am + Premium Lounge
8:45am departure from Wellington with Premium Lounge
3.30pm departure
3.30pm departure from Wellington
1pm + Premium Lounge
1pm departure from Wellington with Premium Lounge included
Reviews
407 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Easiest way to get from Wellington to Picton
Rodney H,
Oct 8, 2025
- Review from Viator
4.00Smooth trip although it did leave about an hour and half late. The company were very good at communicating with me to give me updates on departure.
New Zealand Interislander Ferry
randa62018,
Aug 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our Interislander Ferry between Wellington and Picton New Zealand was fantastic. Check-in and luggage drop off was very easy and convenient. We upgraded to the Premium Lounge which is well worth the extra money. This is an 18 year and older only lounge. Super comfortable seating with delicious food served for our morning crossing to Picton, and our evening crossing back to Wellington. The bar staff was great with a nice selection of New Zealand wine and beer. Restrooms were clean and well supplied, and the ferry staff was very helpful. Our ferry ride added an extra adventure to our trip.
Ferry ride across Cook Straight.
Jacqueline H,
Aug 11, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Just be there on time. We had a wonderful time. The staff were wonderful. The views were good. We sat up front on nice comfortable seats. If you want the first row of seats go there right away.
A must do trip to do when in NZ. Not so comfortable in bad weather (1st trip many years ago)
Steve M,
Aug 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great trip, great facilities and plenty of seating. Easy to get our car loaded on board. The scenery is picture perfect. We would love to do it again when we come back to NZ.
Disappointing experience and poor service on Interislander Ferry-Wellington to Picton.
Quest43253613031,
May 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I booked a non refundable Interislander ferry trip in New Zealand in November and had all my plans set when I was notified by Interislander that my trip was rescheduled due to the retirement of one of their ships. This schedule change altered the terms of the service I agreed to. Had this been the original departure time, I would not have made this booking, as it does not fit with my travel plans and obligations. Instead of promptly resolving the issue and giving me a refund which I requested, Interislander refused. It is not fair or just that they keep my money since the change was initiated by Interislander, not by me, and now my fare is useless to me. Very disappointed.
Love the Aratere
Trip25740193729,
May 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Another outstanding trip on the Aratere. Sunset, dolphins, lounging in the warmth, peace and sunshine. Our daughter had a very minor accident and the staff were excellent at helping out with first aid. All staff were friendly and kind.
Powdered Eggs for Breakfast?!
Meander19700659910,
Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00The food served is appalling. We ordered the big breakfast which contained powdered eggs. There was no disclaimer of this anywhere on the menu which in itself, is misleading. We couldn’t identify an item on the plate, which turned out to be sloppy mushrooms which looked like rotting chopped mint. The sausages were about the size of your thumb and this all sat in a pool of some off coloured watered down gravy. They charge $26 for this meal. We got our money back after having gone through 4 different ranks of people. Unbelievable food and the service was no better.
Great trip over!
326fionae,
Apr 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We were so blessed on this crossing, it was smooth seas and sunshine, very relaxing! Heaps of seating and food options, lovely staff too. The loading process was also non problematic and well assisted by friendly staff, all round good experience!
Highly Disappointing Expereince
HCHCHotelMgr,
Apr 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00I made a booking for my husband and brother in law late one evening, and realized within 5 minutes I had made an error on the date by 1 day. As the phones were closed for the day, I immediately sent an email outlining the situation (booking was confirmed at 9.44pm and email was sent 9.54pm) and asked that my booking please be moved to the following day (which was a cheaper sailing than what I had paid). Disappointingly I received a response to my email 2 days later, advising I would need to pay the change fee to amend the booking. I emailed back my disappointment at this outcome and why a change fee feels incredibly unfair and I never received a response. In contrast, I made a similar mistake a few months ago with AIRNZ (recognized within a couple of hours) and they amended the flight for me immediately with no penalty, as they acknowledged accidents happen and often you don't realize until you receive your booking confirmation. Stark contrast from two different NZ companies, who treat their customers very differently. Can't help but feel this is a complete money grab
Good crossing on a slightly old ship
fdrak,
Mar 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00Crossing was quiet and the process of checking in, parking and unloading worked wonderfully. However, due to the high occupancy rate with thronging seniors, staying in the Premier Lounge was a bit exhausting. The buffet was quickly emptied of certain passengers and barely stocked up. The ship as a whole has seen better times. It was a bit old and run-down.
From NZ$89.40
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