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 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.
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
Options
1pm + Premium Lounge
1pm departure from Wellington with Premium Lounge included
4:00pm + Premium Lounge
4:00pm departure from Wellington with Premium Lounge included
8:45am + Car 5.5m + Passenger
Passenger + vehicle
4:00pm departure
Ferry departing Wellington at 4:00pm arriving Picton at 7:30pm
3.30pm departure
3.30pm departure from Wellington
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
Reviews
415 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Wonderful
MOHAMMAD KHALIL... R,,Jan 6, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Wonderful and a safe journey it was, enjoyed a lot with family. Helpful crews, information center , checking counter and luggage handling.
Review of ferry experience from Wellington to Picton
Rowyour1989,,Jan 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Ferry ride was amazing but we felt disappointed and misled by the free shuttle ride bus timing from Wellington station. We were advised in our itinerary that the shuttle would leave Wellington railway station 70 minutes before ferry departure time (in this case 7:35am as ferry was scheduled to depart at 8:45am). Instead, when we arrived at 7:30am at the Wellington railway station and asked for the shuttle bus, we were advised it left a few minutes ago. We were told there won't be one in a while. This meant we had to organise an uber ride and pay for it as check in for ferry ride closed at 7:45am. How misleading and ridiculous!!!
Interisland Hop on Water
colh2018,,Jan 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Great scenery … plenty of room for passengers. A nice change from flying everywhere so take the chance and experience something different.
Poor seating experience
550arianap,,Jan 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00Bad seating experience for myself and my two children. No seats the whole 3 hours and had to either sit in the cold outside or standing the warmth in the hallways. Considering we paid $700 for return tickets, we will not be recommending this carrier and after we use it to get back to the South Island will no longer use their service. Their should be a limit to seating and also only diners seating at tables as I had to eat in the cold, windy conditions.
DISAPPOINTING
G3827FHkarlap,,Dec 8, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
1.00>> Charming haughty hostess who asks me for a QR code not received and allows herself at 7am to call me "darling"... it makes you quickly open your eyes as much kindness >> Toilet without soap hand on the waiting car park >> Expensive and disgusting coffee... >> Cars parked on the outside deck, disgusting result at the exit (deserves a shot...) Positive: open access sockets
Great customer service.
Bob M,,Dec 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It’s a ferry! But what sets this experience is the quality of the staff. Really great customer service and good food served in the restaurant: always with a smile.
Good ride, good views
Ancamna,,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Much larger ferry than we’re used to riding (coming from the USA). Overall very nice experience, staff were helpful. The food options on board were good and reasonably priced - they weren’t much more expensive than regular cafe food nearby. There was plenty of space to sit, though it was clear that regular travelers knew where all the good seats were and claimed their favorite spot early. We did not upgrade our tickets to the lounge, and I’m not sure we were missing anything by not doing so. Being able to walk around and explore the boat a bit was nice. The journey itself was very pleasant (it was also nice weather). We saw lots of dolphins and some jellyfish.
My experience on InterIslander Ferry
Valerie D,,Nov 25, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00I very much enjoyed my experience on InterIslander Ferry. It is a comfortable way to get from the North to the South Island. The views were spectacular and the crew was helpful and very friendly.
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.
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