Wellington

InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

Wellington, New Zealand
InterIslander Ferry Wellington to Picton

From $52.53

Select Date and Travelers

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

  • 3 hours 30 minutes

Overview

Board the InterIslander ferry for a 3-hour cruise across Cook Strait, which links New Zealand’s capital city in the North Island to a charming enclave in the South Island. The Wellington-to-Picton ferry offers daily service one way, with jaw-dropping views along one of the world’s most scenic waterways.
  • InterIslander ferry one-way ticket
  • Ferry from Wellington to Picton across Cook Strait
  • View the North Island, South Island and Queen Charlotte Sound
  • Daily ferry services provided

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 are provided for traveling with dogs at a cost of $15
  • Carrying additional bicycles and sporting gear cost of $15 per item

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 Cook Strait. Depart the vibrant harbor city of Wellington for the shores of quaint Picton, nestled in Queen Charlotte Sound at the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. 

Experience the dramatic beauty of the region steeped in forest-clad hills, and view both islands from the ferry deck. 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 hub, gateway to the Marlborough region.

Note: This InterIslander ferry option does not allow travel with your vehicle.

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 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

Cancellation Policy

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

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Jim_F
This was one of the nicest, most comfortable ferry rides I have ever taken. The crew was very accommodating and the offerings were top notch.

Reviews

4.0
363 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 363 reviews
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.
Great experience
Aaron_S, Jan 2024
Beautiful scenery, amenities on the ferry were excellent. Easy process to take the ferry to the across to the south island
Wellington to Picton by ferry
Bronwen_W, Jan 2024
Well organised team looking after you. The crossing is really scenic with plenty of opportunities for photography. Bags and luggage is handled for you with easy pick up and drop off. A great experience.
Great trip on Interisland ferry
Sue_s, Jan 2024
Being on the viewing deck, witnessing the stunning views of the islands and little bays. A truly unique experience. Paying for an upgrade to the premium lounge, I thoroughly recommend it!
Brilliant
Karen_H, Jan 2024
Worth every penny and more! Of course the weather was in my favour but great trip, no hassles at check in, no stress downloading tickets, smooth crossing, easy baggage claim. Can’t fault .. excellent.
Picton Ferry
prabesharyal10, Jan 2024
Excellent vessel, excellent service! Great experience with family and friends. Enjoyed a lot. Thanks Viator for arranging Picton Ferry tickets.
Great Crossing, all went to pla.
Marcus_F, Jan 2024
Efficient e2e process for boarding and disembarkation. Comfortable, staff were all friendly. Food onboard was good.
Nice trip
justinus_i, Jan 2024
Looking for ferry ticket everywhere but cannot find, only found it in viator 👍🏼 thank u, the ship is ok but u must queue earlier to get coach seat so u can laydown or at least near windows.
...

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