Website maintenance - our booking system is unavailable from 8:00pm to 12 midnight

You won't be able to make or change bookings during this time.

View alerts
Interislander - Cook Strait Ferries

Bands on Board

We are proud to support New Zealand entertainers by inviting them to perform in exchange for free passage across Te Moana o Raukawakawa Cook Strait.

Final Bands on Board 11 May 2022 ResizedImageWzYwMCw2MDBd Waratahs curising on the interislander

Supporting Kiwi music since 2006

It all started onboard the Arahura in 2006 and continues today - an estimated 5,000 bands have performed on board ranging from Anika Moa to Fur Patrol. 

Many of New Zealand's leading musicians have been "cruisin' on the Interislander" while touring the country. Many will be quick to admit that a free ferry trip across Cook Strait made touring easier.

Play to Pay for your crossing

Interislander's Bands on Board has supported Kiwi bands and performers for years by offering a free trip across Te Moana o Raukawakawa Cook Strait on the Kaitaki. All you need to do is entertain our passengers in the Island Bar and CafĂ©.

A few things to know about Bands on Board:

  • There is one Bands on Board sailing per day in each direction, at 8:45am from Wellington to Picton, and at 2:15pm from Picton to Wellington.
  • You need to provide your own sound system. Power is available on the stage, or you can go for the acoustic option.
  • Performances must be family-friendly.
  • We cover the cost of a vehicle and up to six people who are involved in the performance. 

Once you submit your application, completed in full, we will review and let you know via email. 

Check the calendar

Please note: We only review applications twice a month, and will endeavour to get back to you as soon as we can. 

We are having a technical issue with our form. Please check back in a day or so.

Note - Click on event to add it to your calendar

Fill in the application form:

Bands on Board is unavailable from 29 July to 7 October 2024. Sorry for the inconvenience.

Tell us about your band or yourself

Type of entertainment

Tell us more

Travel details

Do you have any additional requirements?