FAQ

Do your ferries cater for those who are disabled or in wheelchairs?

Interislander takes very seriously its responsibility for the safety and comfort of all passengers.

We have specific information for the ships and the terminals for those passengers who are mobility impaired.

1. How many bags can I take onboard your ferry?

Hand Baggage

Small hand baggage can be taken onboard our vessels as personal hand luggage and at the owner's risk. Coin operated lockers are available onboard for the storage of these small items.

Checked-in Baggage

Larger baggage, including backpacks, must be checked-in at the Wellington or Picton terminals. Baggage can then be collected from the carousels at the port of arrival. Except for sporting equipment (refer below), we will not accept individual baggage items which exceed either 32 kilograms in weight, or 200 linear centimetres (height + length + width) in dimension. For safety reasons, there are no exceptions to the weight restriction.

The luggage allowance is two (2) items of baggage per person. Additional baggage items in excess of this may be carried, subject to restrictions of availability, weight and size. Additional items will incur an additional cost.

Special baggage arrangements for groups can be made at the terminals prior to departure; enquire at the baggage check-in area.

2. I am travelling with large sporting equipment as part of my luggage - is this a problem?

Sporting equipment, such as surfboards, golf clubs, canoes and bicycles, can be carried on our vessels, for an additional cost of $15 per item.

3. What if my baggage is oversize or overweight?

Due to safety reasons, we can not accept oversized (exceeding 200 linear centimetres height + length + width in dimension) or overweight (exceeding 32 kilograms) baggage.

However, Interislander offers noddies (small baggage carts) in order to transport oversize or overweight baggage. The cost of this service is $50 ($30 for Nautical Miles members).

Please note that if the baggage exceeds the size of the noddie, it can not be accepted for travel.

4. Can I send unaccompanied luggage on your ferry, to be collected by someone else at the other end?

Unfortunately, we do not offer this service. Please contact a courier company for help with this type of facility.

Where can I park my car at the terminal?

Wellington

In Wellington, short-term parking of up to 30 minutes is available, free of charge.  Please note, though, that space is limited and in great demand, especially during peak times.

Limited long-term Pay and Display parking is also available, at a cost of $10 per calendar day (or part thereof).   Long-term parks cannot be pre-booked; if you are travelling at peak times, such as during school holidays, Easter or Christmas, please do not rely on being able to use the long-term parking facilities.

This facility is fenced, and attended between 7am and 6pm. When unattended outside these hours, the car park is locked. However, the facility is opened for the arrival and departure of passenger sailings. Parking is at the owners' risk.

When using the long-term parking facility, please allow extra time to check in.

Port Marlborough provides 60 minute car parking near the Picton terminal entrance, free of charge.  Please observe the well sign-posted parking limits.

A number of longer-term parking options are also available.

Long(er)-term parking is available approximately 200 metres from the terminal (near the Old Railway Station). This is Pay and Display and costs $1 per hour, or $5 per day. The pay and display machine is located in the main long-term car park. Port Marlborough have also allowed part of the 60 minute car park to be used as long-term overflow when the main long-term park is full, but you must have a pay and display ticket. Coins for the pay and display machine can be obtained from the Interislander Ticket Counter.

Secure vehicle storage (parking) is available at the BP Gateway Service Station, located 400m from the terminal (phone 03 573 6105), at a cost of around $10 - $12 per day (prices are subject to change without notice).  Bookings are recommended..

Marlborough Sounds Storage provides covered vehicle storage, including a pick up/drop off service, for a minimum charge of $30 for 1 - 2 nights (prices are subject to change without notice).  Simply park in the terminal carpark, collect an envelope from the Interislander ticket counter, fill out your details and hand in the keys and envelope to counter staff.  The vehicle will then be collected from the terminal, stored as required, and returned at the time and date specified.  Bookings are recommended.

When using any of these long-term parking facilities, please allow extra time to check in.

What credit cards do you accept for online bookings?

We accept all the major credit cards including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Diners and JCB.  This includes Loaded's prepaid Visa card, Prezzy Visa card and Westpac's Debitplus Visa card.

How can I receive a GST Invoice?

After paying for your booking, print the travel voucher, which is also an Inland Revenue approved tax invoice. If you have already sailed, send your postal address to info@interislander.co.nz and we will mail you a copy of your invoice.

Can I subscribe to the Newsletter?

Interislander regularly offers exclusive discounts to its newsletter subscribers.

You can sign up when you complete your booking or email newsletters@interislander.co.nz and we’ll subscribe you for the next newsletter.

Can I take my pet on the ferry? What special arrangements do I need to make?

Yes, you can take your pets on the ferry. Animals will be accepted on our vessels as follows:

1. Only Disability Assist Dogs may remain in the company of their owner.  There is no charge for Disability Assist Dogs.
2. Dogs may be placed in dog kennels, at an additional charge of $15 per kennel. The kennels are located on the vehicle deck of Kaitaki, and on the rail decks of Aratere and Arahura. Passengers are responsible for placing their dogs in the kennels. These are limited in number,and therefore it is necessary to book early. Please bring a blanket to make the dog more comfortable on the steel kennel floor.
3. Dogs, cats and other animals which remain in their owners vehicle will not incur an additional charge. The animals must remain in the vehicle throughout the journey, with fresh water available to them.
4. If you are not travelling with a vehicle, caged cats or birds may be carried as checked baggage and will be placed in the front of our baggage trucks. Ensure that the cage or container is well ventilated and leak-proof.
5. Livestock transportation should be arranged with our freight reservation team, on 0800 660 670, or freight@interislander.co.nz. For more information on transporting livestock across Cook Strait, click here.
6. All animals are carried at the owners' risk.

Can I take a rental car on the ferry?

Interislander carries most vehicles including rental cars.  Please note however that the major-brand rental cars do not allow their cars on the ferries.  To avoid having to drop off your vehicle and hire another, we recommend using one of the following rental car companies:

• Ace Rental Cars
• Apex Car Rental
• Maui Motorhomes and Car Rentals
• Jucy Rentals

Where do I find information on the Scenic Rail Pass?

The Scenic Rail Pass is available through Tranz Scenic.

Do you carry unaccompanied children?

Interislander will not carry unaccompanied children. Children under 15 years of age must be accompanied by an adult over 15 years of age.

Because our ‘child’ fare extends to 18 years of age, you will need to call 0800 802 802 to book a 15, 16 or 17 year old who is not accompanied by an adult 18 years or over.