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 three 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: This InterIslander option does not allow travel with your vehicle.
See Availability.
Wellington Ferry Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
3 hours 30 minutes(approx.)
Picton Port, Auckland Street, Picton 7281, New Zealand
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 3 vessels: The Kaitaki, The Aratere and the Kaiarahi.
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
Shop for travel needs, souvenirs, magazines and confectionery
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 14 years inclusive qualify for the child rate.
Youths aged 18 years and under are not permitted to travel in the Plus Lounge.
Children 15 years and younger must be accompanied by an adult.
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : Colin_W
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.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-05-08
Posted By : Alan_K
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.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-25
Posted By : Sadie_H
Highly recommend adding the premium lounge if you want a smooth stress free sailing experience with excellent views and tasty food and drinks.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-14
Posted By : Laurie_P
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!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-08
Posted By : mooremaid
Really enjoyed the journey over in this huge and stable ferry. The breakfast available on board was very reasonably priced and delicious. Amenities were clean and nice. Seating was very good and boarding organised as was departure.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-05
Posted By : Rebecca_A
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.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-05
Posted By : ConversationStarters
Our March ‘24 tour of New Zealand included travel aboard the Ferry. We were with a tour group by bus. Think of the trip as a “Mini-Cruise” One tip our tour guide gave us for seating was to head to the back of the Ferry on Deck 7 for great views and comfort. It’s a two deck level enclosed area with great views.
You have easy access to the top and side decks for ocean breezes and views. Dining/food/drink all at the front of the ship. Seating there is tables and chairs and great views as well. But you can take your food back to the rear observation area, sit down in you very comfy chairs and sofas and enjoy your voyage.
If your travels take you from the North to South Island, this is a highly recommended day to do it!
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-27
Posted By : ScrumptiousSolent
Nice smooth crossing for us today. We embarked with the car and the check in process was smooth and easy. We had the premier (no children) lounge so could enjoy a cooked breakfast, teas, coffees, alcoholic drinks plus scones and biscuits. Great scenery - especially as we entered the straits towards Picton.
Small shop on board and also a cinema (showing Dune 2 on deck 2)
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-23
Posted By : Robert_S
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.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-21
Posted By : monicY320TU
Very orderly embarking and debarking processes. Staff friendly and polite. Ferry interior fit out looking a bit tired, and food and drinks pricey, but the ferrying service itself was excellent. The scenery on the route is of course beautiful.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-13