New ferry project - timing announced for Aratere’s Picton wharf construction
To enable the new ferries project to be delivered on time and on budget, construction work on the Aratere’s decaying Picton wharf will start between October 2025 and March 2026. Interislander now needs to progress operational planning to prepare for the retirement of the Aratere later this year.
If you have an existing passenger and vehicle booking on Aratere in and beyond September 2025, you will be offered alternative sailings on Kaitaki and Kaiārahi. We will be in touch directly and refunds will be available if sailing times or services are no longer suitable.
If you have an existing passenger and vehicle booking on Kaitaki and Kaiārahi in and from September 2025, you may have changes to sailing times. You will be notified directly.
We are temporarily pausing new passenger and freight bookings for the period from 9 September 2025 onwards. This is to enable us to set up our system for new timetables and capacity allocations and to ensure an orderly transition of existing bookings. Bookings for travel after 9 September 2025 will re-open on 19 May 2025.
What's happening?
Claims for historical delay / cancellation events
Make a claim related to a historical cancellation or delay arising from an event that was within Interislander’s control (excludes weather delays) or request a review of previous claims filed
Things to do in Picton on a day return
Stroll the waterfront. Go kayaking. Cruise the Sounds. Have lunch. So many things to see and do.
Things to do in Wellington on a day return
Catch the cable car. Shop Lambton Quay. Te Papa & Wellington Museum. So many things to see and do.
Getting to your Interislander ferry
Arrival and departures
Get today's sailing schedule with departure and arrival times. Sailing time is 3.5 hours.
Wellington
Our Kaiwharawhara terminal is located between the central city and State Highway 1 - just five minutes from the heart of the city.
Waitohi Picton
You’ll find vehicle check-in on Lagoon Road, accessible via Kent Street. Foot passenger check in is via the terminal on Auckland Street, a short walk from Picton town centre.
Upgrade your Journey
Avaliable on Kaitaki, Aratere and Kaiarahi
Book our Premium Lounge
Whether you're looking to relax, catch up on work or chat with your travel companions, our Premium Lounge provides the ideal space.
With a range of seating options, you'll enjoy a selection of seasonal dishes to graze on accompanied by a selection of New Zealand wines and craft beers. You can choose a cosy spot to watch the scenery or a comfortable workspace to get things done.
Promotions
Group discounts
Travelling with 12 or more? Give our team a call to talk about our group discounts 0800 878 898
Student Discount
Heading away to university with a car full of stuff? Going home for the holidays? Fancy a break with friends? Then grab a special Interislander Cook Strait ferry student deal!
NZMCA members
Taking your caravan or motorhome across Cook Strait? If you are a NZMCA member find out about your benefits onboard Interislander - including discounted Premium Lounge passes.
AA Member Discount
As a New Zealand AA Member you can take advantage of our Interislander Cook Strait ferry discount and save money on your crossing.