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
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 + 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
8:45am + Car 5.5m + Passenger
Passenger + vehicle
8:45am departure
Ferry departing Wellington at 8.45am arriving Picton at 12.15pm
1pm departure
1pm departure from Wellington
Reviews
426 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Exceptional
Paradise00750811147,Mar 29, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Amazing, great staff and wonderful Captian
Great way to travel between North and South
Yokohawaii,Mar 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Nice, comfortable seating annd well organized. It was a very calm sea for us so not too much rocking on board. Even though it was full, didn’t feel too crowded. Nice way to travel and will do it again.
Everything went well
fbv3844,Mar 18, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Departure and arrival on time Journey in the fjords or canals arriving on very nice picton and beautiful landscapes
Get lounge access on the ferry!
MarigoldToronto,Mar 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Depending on the season the crossing can be very choppy. We went in Feb 2026 on the first ferry of the day and were the only ferry out that day and they didn’t go the following day Cancellations and delays can happen as the weather in area changes fast. Be prepared for changes Treat yourself and buy access to the lounge- it was fantastic! Light food and drinks available and very comfortable seats in the lounge. They also offer free bus in Picton to the town centre
Not very impressed.
404HappyTraveller,Mar 5, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00I totally appreciate the difficulties the weather can create. Wellington and Cook’s Straight had some adverse weather on the weekend. We had booked for Thursday, and apparently they were still playing catch-up with a backlog of passengers and whatever from Sunday onwards as a result of that weather. Scheduled for the 08:45 sailing so booked an Uber for 07:00 to make sure we were there on time. Stumbled out of bed early, planning to pack up and be downstairs at the hotel in time for the Uber. Email dinged and our departure has been changed to 11:45. Rebooked the Uber and tried to figure out how to spend a few extra hours in a hotel room. Uber’d to the terminal and checked in. Sat and waited, and waited. Boarding was to be at 10:30 and finally announced at 11:15. After considerable confusion as to who went where out which door to board, we walked aboard through the car park in the belly of the ship and up the stairs to the 7th floor deck. We had booked seats in the lounge, and it was nice to have the use of the lounge. Departure was finally at about 12:15. Nice crossing, clear blue sky and calm seas. Arrived in Picton about 12:15, and, again, some confusion as to who went where when to disembark. And again, we waited, and waited ,and waited. Apparently there was some issue with the suction system that attached the boat to the dock??? Whatever it was kept everyone standing in line until we were finally able to disembark well over an hour later. So, originally scheduled to arrive in Picton at 12:15, and after we finally arrived, picked up our luggage and rental car and left the ferry terminal, it was well after 5:00 p.m. We missed an entire afternoon of sightseeing along the road and instead had to hurry down along our way to our next stop.
Great way to travel between islands
Mike C,Feb 28, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We took the ferry and paid the extra for the Premium Lounge. In my opinion it was well worth the extra. It gave us more comfortable chairs with a good view. Less people and well taken care of food wise. Sandwiches coffee juice before we left harbour, a good breakfast once underway and some more food an hour before landing. Staff very helpful and collected all the dishes on a regular basis. We could charge our phones and use wifi during whole journey. Ferry left on time and arrived early. Very smooth the whole way. Some great scenery too. Overall delighted.
Beautiful Landscape
Jose C,Feb 24, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00A very good trip with great landscapes, it was all quiet, with an amazing view I recommend this Travessia.
not impressed
Motu2025,Feb 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
3.00We wanted to buy a cup of coffee on the ferry. Easy right? NO! We were told that they 'don't take cash'! Last we heard, cash is legal tender. A good way to lose business.
Great views and smooth ride
Rudolf Z,Jan 31, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The ferry is very comfortable. Nice food assortments and great variety of drinks. Smooth ride and great views from the deck. Nice staff both checking in and on board.
Clean, comfortable and well organized
JuanCarlos V,Jan 25, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very simple, friendly experience. It was well-organized. The ferry was clean, confortable and well maintained. Plenty of snack offerings and activities for kids. The time passed very quickly.
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