InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

InterIslander offers daily ferry services across Cook Strait linking New Zealand's North and South Islands. Cruise across in 3-hours whilst traveling in comfort and style as you savor one of the world's most scenic ferry journeys.The InterIslander is an experience not be missed.

An edition of the US magazine Wine Spectator, described the InterIslander trip as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world' and the scenery was described as 'jaw droppingly stunning!.

At one end is the beautiful harbor of New Zealand's capital city Wellington (North Island). The cruise across Wellington Harbor offers a unique view of this exciting city. Nestled between surrounding hills and the glistening harbor; Wellington is a vibrant city which has retained the charm of its early colonial heritage. Wellington is alive with some of New Zealand's finest restaurants, shopping and theatre - including the spectacular Te Papa Museum of New Zealand.

Out of Wellington is the journey across Cook Strait which itself has a dramatic beauty all of its own. Both islands can be viewed, including the magnificent Kaikoura Ranges and there is often the chance to see wildlife such as seabirds, dolphins, seals, whales and orca.

Picton; at the other end of the crossing is reached after cruising through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound in the heart of the Marlborough Sounds. The sparkling clear waters and lush forests of the Sounds is a breathtaking introduction to the South Island.

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

Schedule details

InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton

Departure Dates:

Select a month to view a calendar of availability and departure details.

Departure Point:

InterIslander Terminal, Aotea Quay

5 minutes north of Wellington Railway Station.

Please click on the "view map" button for a map of the departure point and route

Departure Time:

Wellington to Picton InterIslander Schedule:


Wellington to Picton - to 9 September 2009

Dep: 2:25am   Arr: 5:35am
Dep: 10:25am  Arr: 1:35pm
Dep: 2:05pm   Arr: 5:15pm
Dep: 6:25pm   Arr: 9:25pm

Wellington to Picton - from 10 September 2009

Dep:2:25am   Arr: 5:35am
Dep: 8:25am  Arr: 11:35am
Dep: 10:25am  Arr: 1:35pm (peak season only November 10, 2009 to April 30, 2010)
Dep: 2:05pm  Arr: 5:15pm
Dep: 6:25pm   Arr: 9:25pm

Check in at the terminal at least 45 minutes prior to departure time.

Please note times are subject to change depending on season without notice.

Return Details:

Ferry concludes at the InterIslander Terminal in Picton

Pricing information

Click the link below to check pricing & availability on your preferred travel date. Our pricing is constantly updated to ensure you always receive the lowest price possible.

Tour options:

Additional information

InterIslander Ferry - Arahura

Inclusions:

• One way ferry trip from Wellington to Picton

Exclusions:

• Hotel pickup and drop off

Additional Information:

• Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

• Apart from designated areas, smoking is not permitted inside the ship.
• The InterIslander fleet has 3 vessels: The Kaitaki (carrying up to 1600 passengers), The Aratere (carrying up to 350 passengers) and the Arahura (carrying up to 1000 passengers).
• From Wellington, some InterIslander ferry sailing's connect with the Overlander and Northerner train services to Auckland and the Bay Express train service to Napier. From Picton, some InterIslander ferry sailing's connect with the TranzCoastal train service to Kaikoura and Christchurch.

Facilities Available Onboard:

• Cafes and a food court
• Fast-food takeaway bar
• Shop for travel needs, souvenirs, magazines and confectionery
• Movie theater
• Video games parlor
• Lounge and tavern bar
• Observation deck
• Information counter for travel advice, train bookings and foreign currency exchange
• Children's play area and nursery
• Private work desks
• During off-peak sailing's, some facilities are only open for a limited time

IMPORTANT: 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.

Check-in luggage -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 32 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 Club Class.

Local Operator Information:

Complete Operator information, including local telephone numbers at your destination, are included on your Confirmation Voucher. Our Product Managers select only the most experienced and reliable operators in each destination, removing the guesswork for you, and ensuring your peace of mind.