Interislander ferries connect the South & North Islands of New Zealand, cruising between Picton and Wellington 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.
Picton Port, Auckland Street, Picton 7281, New Zealand
3 hours 30 minutes(approx.)
Wellington Ferry Terminal, 1 Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Apart from designated areas, smoking is not permitted inside the ship.
Wheelchair accessible
The InterIslander fleet has 3 vessels: The Kaitaki (carrying up to 1600 passengers), The Aratere (carrying up to 350 passengers) and the Kaiarahi (carrying up to 550 passengers).
Stroller accessible
From Picton, some InterIslander ferry sailing's connect with the Coastal Pacific train service to Kaikoura and Christchurch.
The InterIslander ferry sailing timetable is subject to change, without notice.
Service animals allowed
Cafes and a food court
Near public transportation
Fast-food takeaway bar
Shop for travel needs, souvenirs, magazines and confectionery
Movie theater (on select ships)
Video games parlor
Lounge and tavern bar
Observation deck
Children's play area and nursery
Most travelers can participate
Please note, 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 of $15 per item. If you are traveling with dogs, kennels are provided at a cost of $15, 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 Picton 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 Plus Lounge.
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Posted By : Buzk
The staff on the Aratere could not be faulted. Friendly, helpful and professional. Great scones available for only $5 and clean and comfortable seating areas. Thank you.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-26
Posted By : Road55437077663
WOW!!! What a service! Very organised/ on time & helpful. Accessing the terminal is very easy & clear signs everywhere. We got ourselves there early & lined our car up. Once the cars were about to board, our hire cars battery decided to die. We had fast service from the team who jump started our car & got us on the ferry. The lounge areas/ the food / viewing decks were all amazing. Such a beautiful boat trip - which didn’t feel long at all. Once we had to get into our cars, staff checked on us again to make sure our car started. We had such a great experience - thank you.
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Posted On : 2024-04-18
Posted By : Susanny_D
Great view, nice ferry with few seating arrangements, cafes & food, good services. Need improvement in toilet cleanliness.
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Posted On : 2024-04-16
Posted By : Sparcs07
Picton is one of the prettiest ferry ports in the world, and this added to well run ferry creates an amazing journey.
These ferries offer good food, drink seating and run a very smooth sea trip.
This journey can be bumping where the Tasman sea hits the pacific, but 90% of the time it’s calm and stunning .
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-04-04
Posted By : christine_b
Very smooth crossing. Left a bit early so arrived at 9,30pm which was perfect. Food was adequate. We couldn't access WiFi on the boat, which would have been very useful.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-24
Posted By : Bree_M
Wonderful smooth trip today. Excellent food, drinks, and areas to relax. I enjoyed upper deck which was slightly cool with warm points along the way. Scenery was spectacular. Crew was kind and caring.
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Posted On : 2024-03-24
Posted By : Curtis_P
Nice way to travel between the islands. The ferry was clean & comfortable. The staff were helpful & friendly.
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Posted On : 2024-03-23
Posted By : Lisa_T
View of Picton & Marlborough Sound from deck during departure was beautiful
Premium lounge experience was very good.
More guidance to the lounge tequired as we were 'first timers'.
Picton boarding ramp/stairs require more ability than some could manage.
Persistent blowfly interfered with meal consumption.
Servers in Premium lounge are a credit to the company. Polite, pleasant disposition, helpful at all times.
Rating :
Posted On : 2024-03-23
Posted By : zg64
Easy transportation from Picton to Wellington. Plenty of seating and cafe for light fare. Beautiful views but it does get quite cold and windy, so it’s impossible to stay on the outer deck for too long. Checking and claiming bags was a breeze, but you do need to make sure your bag is 50 lbs and under, otherwise a fee will be required. Free transportation to the Wellington train station is provided upon arrival.
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Posted On : 2024-03-16
Posted By : 501nilsa
Great views from the ferry and worth the money to take the trip. At least one way. There are airports in Blenheim and Queenstown so I would recomend taking the ferry going south and fly out/back from the Southern Island.
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Posted On : 2024-03-15
