Interislander

The Interislander's three ferries - Kaiarahi, Aratere and Kaitaki, offer a convenient and regular daily rail, commercial freight, passenger and car ferry service crossing Cook Strait from Wellington in the North Island to Picton in the South Island.

The 92 km, three hour journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourist experiences, and one of the most spectacular cruises in the world,

Your Interislander ferry sailing starts from Wellington, which has one of the most picturesque harbours in the world, crossing the Cook Strait waters before entering the magnificent Marlborough Sounds - a collection of sea-drowned sparsely populated, steep wooded hill valleys with small quiet bays, being a natural scenic wonder, to Picton, located in a sheltered marine harbour where you will have time to experience this charming small town before connecting with various bus services to other destinations in the South Island.

Interislander ferries offer a range of on board facilities for you to enjoy as you view of some of New Zealand's most unique scenery. Enjoy a movie, a drink in the bar and anything from a snack to a three course meal. A nursery, comfortable passenger areas and lounges with reclining seats with head rests,  plenty of open deck space, children's play area and an Information Centre.

Whether you're in New Zealand at the moment or planning your trip to New Zealand from elsewhere in the world, you can reserve your space on an Interislander ferry now. Bookings on an Interislander ferry are essential, and are usually available up to six months in advance. Foot passenger space is limited, so its recommended that you try to book as early as you can.

Connecting bus/coach services are available to and from Picton Interislander Ferry Terminal for Blenheim, Nelson, Christchurch, Dunedin, Mt Cook/Aoraki, Te Anau, Queenstown and other South Island destinations and to and from Wellington for Palmerston North, Taupo, Rotorua, Auckland, Bay of Islands (Paihia) and other North Island destinations.

Shuttle bus transfers between Interislander's Wellington Ferry Terminal and Wellington Railway Station (Platform 9) are available for each sailing.

Cruising time is 3 hours 20 minutes on the Kaiarahi, Aratere and Kaitaki.