Interislander ferry FAQs
Planning a journey between the North and South Islands of Aotearoa New Zealand? Find quick answers about Interislander ferry prices, crossing times, vehicles, pets, luggage and your time on board.
What you need to know
Find answers to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs).
If you can't find what you're looking for contact us.
Foot passenger fares typically start from around $NZ90, with vehicle fares from $NZ258 - exact pricing depends on your sailing, fare type, and how far ahead you book.
Your fare may also depend on:
• The number and ages of passengers
• Your vehicle type and length
• Whether you add a cabin, lounge access or other extras
• How flexible you need your booking to be
• Current availability and seasonal demand
For the most accurate price, enter your travel dates and passenger details in the online booking tool. Booking ahead usually gives you the best choice of sailing times and fares.
The Interislander ferry crossing between Wellington / Whanganui-a-Tara and Picton / Waitohi takes around 3.5 hours.
Journey times can vary because of weather, harbour conditions and operational requirements. If the departure time changes for any reason, we will let you know via email and text.
Along the way, you will cross Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa and cruise through the Marlborough Sounds / Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka.
Yes, Interislander is more than a way to travel between New Zealand’s main islands. It is one of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most scenic journeys.
The crossing gives you time to relax while enjoying views of Wellington Harbour / Whanganui-a-Tara, Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa and the Marlborough Sounds / Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka.
It can be a particularly convenient choice if you want to:
• Take your own car, motorbike, campervan or bicycle
• Continue your road trip on the other island
• Avoid airport baggage restrictions
• Travel with the whole family
• Enjoy the journey as part of your holiday
With comfortable seating, food and drink, outdoor viewing areas and plenty of room to move around, the crossing is an experience in its own right.
Foot passengers can check in two bags, up to 23kg each. Carry-on is limited to one small bag plus one handbag or laptop bag, anything bigger must go in the hold.
If you're travelling with a vehicle, most luggage stays packed in the car. You won't be able to access the vehicle deck mid-crossing, so take what you need for the journey into the passenger areas before you board.
Pack a small onboard bag with:
- Medication
- Travel documents
- Wallets
- Phone
- Warm clothing
- Children's essentials
- Chargers
Oversized items, sports equipment and bicycles need to be booked separately.
Conditions on Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa can vary.
Many crossings are calm, but the weather can sometimes make the journey feel rougher.
We continuously monitor weather and sea conditions and only sail when it is safe to do so.
If you are prone to motion sickness, it may help to:
• Check the weather forecast before travelling
• Eat a light meal before departure
• Sit near the centre of the ferry
• Look towards the horizon
• Speak with a pharmacist about suitable motion-sickness options
Outdoor decks may close when conditions require it. Follow the crew’s instructions while you are on board.
Yes, you can take a car, motorbike, campervan, motorhome, caravan, trailer or bicycle on selected Interislander bookings.
Add the vehicle when you book and provide accurate details, including its type, height and total length. Include roof boxes, bike racks, tow bars, trailers and anything attached to the vehicle.=
If you are travelling in a rental car, check your rental company’s terms before booking.
Some rental providers allow their vehicles on the ferry, while others may require you to leave one vehicle at the terminal and collect another after crossing.
Vehicle space can fill quickly, especially during weekends, school holidays and summer. Booking ahead is recommended.
Arrive at least 60 minutes before departure, for both foot passengers and vehicles, at either terminal.
If you're a foot passenger sailing from Wellington, a free shuttle leaves Platform 10 at Wellington Railway Station 70 minutes before departure and takes you straight to the terminal.
The shuttle drops passengers at Platform 10 of the Wellington Railway Station on arrival, and check-in staff wait for the shuttle before the ferry departs.
Vehicle check-in areas close on time and once you're checked in, you can't leave to run a last errand, so arrive with everything you need already on board.
Yes, dogs and some other domestic pets can travel on Interislander, subject to the pet travel conditions for your vessel and sailing.
Depending on your booking, your pet may travel in an approved onboard kennel or another designated area. Pets are not generally permitted in passenger areas, except for recognised assistance dogs.
Before travelling:
• Add your pet to your booking where required
• Check which pet facilities are available on your vessel
• Bring a secure lead or suitable carrier
• Make sure your pet has water and is comfortable
• Allow time for exercise and a toilet stop before check-in
• Tell Interislander if your pet has special requirements
Pet spaces are limited, so book early.
There is plenty to do during the journey. You can enjoy the scenery, have something to eat, relax in a lounge or step outside for fresh air when the decks are open.
Depending on the vessel and sailing, onboard facilities may include:
• Cafés, bars or food outlets
• Comfortable seating areas
• Outdoor viewing decks
• Family and children’s areas
• Lounges or upgraded seating
• Cabins on selected sailings
• Wi-Fi or mobile connectivity, subject to coverage
• Accessible facilities
Facilities differ by vessel and may change for operational reasons.
Check your sailing details if a particular facility is important to you.
Foot passengers can check in two bags, up to 23kg each. Carry-on is limited to one small bag plus one handbag or laptop bag, anything bigger must go in the hold.
If you're travelling with a vehicle, most luggage stays packed in the car. You won't be able to access the vehicle deck mid-crossing, so take what you need for the journey into the passenger areas before you board.
Pack a small onboard bag with:
- Wallets
- Phone
- Medication
- Travel documents
- Warm clothing
- Children's essentials
- Chargers
Oversized items, sports equipment and bicycles need to be booked separately.
If your ferry is delayed or cancelled, check your email, text messages and the Interislander service alerts page before leaving for the terminal.
If your travel plans have been affected:
• Read the latest update sent to the contact details in your booking
• Follow any rebooking or travel instructions provided
• Wait for confirmation before travelling to the terminal
• Keep any relevant receipts if you've been advised they may be required
• Contact your accommodation provider, rental vehicle company or travel insurer if your wider travel plans are impacted
Rebooking options, refunds and other assistance depend on the cause of the disruption, your fare conditions and the applicable customer terms.
For the latest information, always check Interislander service alerts page before you travel.
You may be able to buy a ticket on the day if space is available, but prebooking is strongly recommended.
Sailings can fill up quickly during:
• Summer
• Public holidays
• School holidays
• Weekends
• Major events
• Peak road-trip periods
Vehicle spaces often sell out before foot-passenger spaces. Booking ahead gives you a better choice of departure times, fare types and onboard extras.
If you arrive without a booking, a place on your preferred sailing is not guaranteed.
Standby travel may be available in some circumstances, but it is not guaranteed and should not be treated as a cheaper way to travel.
Availability depends on space after booked customers have checked in. Vehicle type and deck capacity can also affect whether a vehicle can be accepted.
If you need to travel on a particular day or sailing, book a confirmed ticket in advance.
Check directly with Interislander for the current standby process and applicable fare.
Alcohol must be transported and consumed in line with Interislander’s conditions of carriage and onboard licensing requirements.
Alcohol purchased from an onboard licensed outlet may only be consumed in permitted areas.
You cannot open or drink your own alcohol in passenger areas.
If you are carrying alcohol as luggage or in your vehicle:
• Keep it sealed and securely packed
• Follow any quantity or storage restrictions
• Do not leave it where it could roll, leak or break
• Always follow crew instructions
For current restrictions, check the conditions of carriage before travelling.
Whether a child can travel alone depends on their age and Interislander’s current unaccompanied minor policy.
A parent or legal guardian may need to:
• Make the booking
• Complete the required documentation
• Provide emergency contact details
• Accompany the child through check-in
• Arrange for an approved adult to meet the child at the destination
Younger children may need to travel with a responsible adult.
Contact Interislander before booking travel for anyone under 18 who will not be accompanied by a parent or guardian.
Interislander and Bluebridge both operate passenger and vehicle ferry services across Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa between Wellington / Whanganui-a-Tara and Picton / Waitohi.
When comparing Cook Strait ferries, consider:
• Sailing times
• Ticket prices and fare conditions
• Vehicle availability
• Pet travel options
• Cabins and lounges
• Food and drink
• Family facilities
• Accessibility requirements
• Change and cancellation conditions
• Loyalty programmes or partner offers
Interislander has connected the North and South Islands for over 60 years.
The journey combines practical vehicle transport with sweeping views across Cook Strait and the Marlborough Sounds / Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka.
Choose the sailing, fare and facilities that best suit your trip rather than comparing price alone.
Interislander can support many passengers who use wheelchairs or have mobility requirements, but facilities and vehicle-deck can vary by vessel.
Due to limited elevator accessibility on board Kaiārahi sailings, we recommend passengers with reduced mobility or requiring wheelchair access travel on the Kaitaki.
Please call us on 0800 802 802 and tell Interislander about your needs when booking or as early as possible before travel. This helps the team plan suitable assistance.
Useful information to provide includes:
• Whether you use a manual or powered wheelchair
• The dimensions and weight of your mobility equipment
• Whether you can use stairs
• Whether you need assistance boarding
• Whether you are travelling with an assistance dog
• Any seating, cabin or bathroom requirements
• Whether accessible vehicle parking is required
Accessible spaces and facilities may be limited.
Confirm that the vessel and sailing can meet your needs before finalising your plans.
You may see wildlife during the crossing, but sightings are never guaranteed.
Keep an eye out for seabirds and marine life as you cross Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa and enter the Marlborough Sounds / Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka.
Dolphins, whales, seals and other wildlife may sometimes be visible from the outdoor decks.
For the best chance of a sighting:
• Spend time on the viewing decks when they are open
• Bring binoculars
• Scan the water ahead rather than looking directly beside the ferry
• Keep your camera ready
• Never feed or disturb wildlife
Follow all safety signs and crew instructions while using outdoor areas.
Yes. Interislander is an easy and memorable way for international visitors to travel between New Zealand’s North and South Islands.
The ferry is particularly useful for travellers planning a self-drive holiday because cars, campervans, motorhomes, motorbikes and bicycles can travel on selected bookings.
Before booking, international visitors should:
• Confirm whether their rental vehicle can travel on the ferry
• Book vehicle space well in advance
• Allow time to reach the terminal
• Check luggage, pet and restricted-item rules
• Include possible weather disruption in the wider itinerary
• Keep travel insurance and accommodation details handy
• Check entry, driving and licence requirements separately
The sailing is also a chance to experience some of Aotearoa New Zealand’s most striking coastal scenery before you reach your next destination.
Yes. Many passengers use their crossing to catch up on emails, work remotely or simply enjoy some uninterrupted focus time.
For the best work-friendly experience, consider upgrading to the Premium Lounge on both ships (Kaitaki or Kaiārahi) or the Queen Charlotte Lounge on Kaitaki.
These dedicated spaces offer a quieter environment away from the main passenger areas, making it easier to concentrate while you travel. (Note the Queen Charlotte Lounge doesn’t have tables).
Depending on the lounge and vessel, you can enjoy:
• Comfortable seating
• A quieter onboard space
• Complimentary food and refreshments
• Scenic views across Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa
• Space to read, plan or work
Mobile coverage and onboard Wi-Fi connectivity can vary throughout the journey, particularly in parts of Cook Strait, so it's worth downloading any important documents before you travel.
For many travellers, the crossing is the perfect opportunity to turn travel time into productive time, while enjoying one of Aotearoa New Zealand's most scenic journeys.
There’s no single "best" month to travel with Interislander. It depends on what kind of journey you're looking for.
• December to February brings long summer days, warmer weather and vibrant views across Wellington Harbour / Whanganui-a-Tara, Cook Strait / Moana o Raukawakawa and Marlborough Sounds / Te Tauihu-o-te-Waka.
• March to May is a favourite for many travellers, with milder temperatures, fewer crowds and beautiful autumn colours.
• June to August offers crisp winter scenery, snow-capped mountains in the distance and a quieter travel experience.
• September to November brings spring blooms, fresh green landscapes and increased wildlife activity.
If you're travelling during school holidays, public holidays or summer, it's a good idea to book early as sailings and vehicle spaces can fill up quickly.
Whether you're road-tripping through Aotearoa New Zealand or ticking off a bucket-list experience, every season offers something special on board.