InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

Wellington, New Zealand

Great choice

5+ bookings last month.

3 hours 30 minutes (approx.)
Group discounts

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Overview

Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3.5-hour cruise across the Cook Strait, which links New Zealand’s capital city, Wellington, in the North Island to the Marlborough Sounds in the South Island. The Wellington to Picton ferry offers a daily 1-way service, with incredible views through the Marlborough Sounds, which are among the world’s most scenic waterways.

1-way passenger-only ticket with generous baggage allowance
View the North Island, South Island, and Queen Charlotte Sound
An easy and scenic way of getting between the North and South Islands
Includes a free shuttle from Wellington Railway Station if required

What's Included

One way InterIslander ferry trip from Wellington to Picton
Free shuttle from Wellington Railway Station (Platform 10) 75 mins before sailing departs
Access to viewing decks
2x 23kg baggage allowance

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

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Wellington Ferry Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Interislander Ferry Terminal - 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington

End point

Picton Port
Auckland Street, Picton 7281, New Zealand

What To Expect

Ride the InterIslander ferry from Wellington to Picton, cruising from the North Island to the South Island via the Cook Strait. Depart the vibrant harbor city of Wellington for the shores of Picton, nestled in Queen Charlotte Sound in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds.

Experience the dramatic beauty of the region covered in forest-clad hills. Snap photos of the Kaikoura Ranges and search the sparkling waters for marine life such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales, and orcas.

Upon reaching Picton, disembark at this South Island transportation hub, gateway to the Marlborough region.

Note: This Interislander ferry option does not allow travel with a vehicle and is a passenger-only ticket.

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Service animals allowed
Near public transportation
Most travelers can participate
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.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers

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Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Rudolf_Z

The 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.

Reviews

4.0

based on 428 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Great views and smooth ride

Rudolf_Z, Jan 2026

The 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 2026

This 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.

My experience on InterIslander Ferry

Valerie_D, Nov 2025

I 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 2025

Smooth 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.

Ferry ride across Cook Straight.

Jacqueline_H, Aug 2025

Just 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.

Beautiful trip

Jennifer_D, Feb 2025

Relaxing, comfortable and beautiful. Seats were comfortable. Views amazing. Try to get in the front of the ship.

Response from Host, Feb 2025

Thank you for your review Jennifer. We are so pleased to hear you had a comfortable sailing with Interislander and got to enjoy the beautiful scenery along the way! We hope to see you on board again soon.

Great journey in search of whales

Vijaikumar_V, Jan 2025

It was really a great experience including crew giving all information in detail about the whales and dolphins . Crew was really caring

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. Our crew work extremely hard to make sure all customers are looked after, so it’s great to hear you felt this way. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

Ferry to Picton

Lynn_G, Dec 2024

We booked the premium lounge which was very nice. Comfortable seating. Attentive staff provided food and drinks.

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for the review Lynn, we're very pleased that you find the crew attentive and you had a nice time in the Premium Lounge. We hope to welcome you back on board again in the future!

Smooth, fast, on time

Jason, Dec 2024

Great way to cross islands. Great views and very smooth ride. Would use again in the future if I needed to cross

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you for the review Jason. Great to hear you had a smooth sailing and have enjoyed the views on your recent journey with Interislander. We hope to see you on board again in the future!

Great crossing , all good

Stuart_S, Dec 2024

Very good crossing and great facilities , clean and caring staff. Good safe travel and good restaurants .

Response from Host, Dec 2024

Thank you for taking the time to leave a review Stuart. We are so pleased to hear you had a great crossing and the crew are caring on your recent sailing with Interislander. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon!

Outstanding sea crossing

gerald_s, Nov 2024

Stunning sea crossing views outstanding you have to experience them to appreciate the crossing if you fly you have missed out on a great experience

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thank you for your review Gerald! Glad to hear that you had a great experience sailing with Interislander. We hope to see you back on board again soon!

Traveling from Wellington to Picton is a breeze on the Interislander!

Deborah_P, Nov 2024

The InterIslander Ferry was an easy and comfortable way to travel from Wellington to Picton. It’s a great choice when your journey takes you from the North to South Island of NZ. The premium lounge is a terrific choice to make the trip even more enjoyable if you are not traveling with children. The lounge includes a buffet meal, complimentary drinks, and access to great views on deck. Highly recommend it!

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thank you for recommending our service and for your awesome review Deborah! We are delighted that you have enjoyed the Premium Lounge and you had a comfortable journey with Interislander. We hope to welcome you back on board again soon!

Great way to travel between North and South Island

Kim_J, Nov 2024

The ferry is a great way to travel between North and South island. We upgraded to the premium lounge which was very comfortable and quiet with good food options.

Response from Host, Nov 2024

Thank you for the positive review Kim. We are so glad you enjoyed the food and drink options in the Premium Lounge. We look forward to welcoming you back soon!

InterIslander crossing.

Kathy_B, Oct 2024

The trip was calm as. I'm not a great water traveller but I didn't have any feelings of unwellness. There's always an area up on deck that you can go and sit while crossing over Cooks Strait. If needs arise. Comfortable seats, nice selection of food.

Response from Host, Oct 2024

Thank you for your review, Kathy. We're glad to hear that you find your sailing with Interislander calm, comfortable and you didn't get unwell at all. Walking around the ship and looking at the beautiful scenery also helps with seasickness. We hope to see you on board again soon!

One of the best experiences ever

Rohith_M, Jul 2024

Stunning views especially when approaching South Island. I was able to spot dolphins as well. The cruise was amazing and the breakfast served at the premium lounge was good too.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you for your review, Rohith. We are glad to hear you were able to spot dolphins and you enjoyed the Premium Lounge during your recent journey with Interislander. We hope to see you on board again soon!

Delightful.

Colin_W, May 2024

What a lovely trip. Ferry is the best way to get between islands. Clean, comfortable and reasonably priced. Can't imagine doing it any other way.

Response from Host, May 2024

We are very pleased that you had a lovely and comfortable sailing with Insterislander. Thank you Colin for your awesome review. We look forward to welcoming you back on board in the future!

Taking the Ferry

Alan_K, Apr 2024

The Ferry was a good experience, and the service aboard was very friendly and helpful. A chance to sit back and enjoy the ocean scenery.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Thank you for leaving a review on your recent sailing, Alan. We are pleased to hear that you had a good experience sailing with us and got to enjoy the scenery along the way. We hope to see you on board again.

Premium lounge is the bomb

Sadie_H, Apr 2024

Highly recommend adding the premium lounge if you want a smooth stress free sailing experience with excellent views and tasty food and drinks.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We are so glad you enjoyed the view as well as the food and drinks in the Premium Lounge! Thank you for taking the time to leave a review. We hope to see you again in the future, Sadie.

Great trip

Laurie_P, Apr 2024

Great ride. Wish there was a bit more explanation about where to sit or explore without wandering around. I wasn’t sure just where to spend the time but overall it was a great trip. Your partner, the environment, cooperated quite well!

Response from Host, Apr 2024

We’re happy to hear that you had a great trip with Interislander, Laurie. Thank you for leaving a review and we look forward to welcoming you again on board soon.

Really great experience

Rebecca_A, Apr 2024

Really great service. Staff were friendly and helpful. We were really stoked to have seen several pods of dolphins. Only advice is to get a good seat and stay there if you want it back.

Response from Host, Apr 2024

Many thanks for taking the time to leave a review, Rebecca. We are very pleased to hear you had a positive experience with us and were able to spot dolphins along the way. We hope to welcome you back on board in the future.

Easy voyage

Robert_S, Mar 2024

We had a beautiful, calm day for the voyage and everything ran smoothly and on time. The boat was very comfortable with plenty of food options. An easy and relaxing way to get to the South Island.

Trip

carl_o, Mar 2024

Wonderful crew. They were very professional. They were very helpful with directions. I made the crossing and survived.

Breezy’s travels

Mark_E, Feb 2024

Easy on and off. Very simple to use. We booked our walk on reservation about 5 months earlier with no deposit. They don’t charge your card until 48hrs before your date which is nice in case you are not able to make your date. We did here if your planing to bring a car or RV across you should book at least one or two weeks. By the way we had booked a rental car in Picton which is located right off the ferry.

Good experience

irene_t, Feb 2024

Great weather on our trip, got to see dolphins swam by which is was a plus. Overall, good experience and hazzlefree.

Response from Host, Mar 2024

Thank you for your review, Irene. It's wonderful you saw dolphins during your recent journey with us! We're happy to hear you had a good experience and hope to see you on board again soon

Smooth, comfort sailing

Ed_B, Feb 2024

A great way to get from the North to the South Island or vice versa. Lots of seating indoors or out. Restaurant on board.

Many levels from which to...

Joshua_R, Feb 2024

Many levels from which to view the journey. Food was good quality and easily accessible. Seating was varied and very comfortable.

Awesome adventure with the Ferry from Wellington to Picton

David_L, Feb 2024

The entry point in Picton Port where the islands come to view was majestic.Surely a, memory worth keeping.

It was Awesome the...

Gail_K, Feb 2024

It was Awesome the scenery from North to South Island. Plenty of vantage points to see the breathtaking scenery.

Response from Host, Feb 2024

Thank you for your review Gail. We are glad you enjoyed all the beautiful scenery during your Journey to the South Island! We hope to see you back on board in future. Kind regards, Interislander Team

Nice

adeel_l, Jan 2024

It was a nice trip. Very punctual and efficient. We set on the top open deck. It got pretty windy for a while. Some kids were close to flying but view was great. Many islands. There are many other facilities on boat but we did not avail those.