Kaitaki
Interislander's largest ferry, with restaurants, two movie theatres, a bar, lounges and a whole deck dedicated to children, Kaitaki is a perfect fit for the whole family.
Kaitaki is a te reo Māori word meaning 'challenger' and carries up to 1,000 passengers on each journey across Cook Strait.
Lounges
Kaitaki has a choice of three lounges to travel in comfort across Cook Strait. Each includes a guaranteed seat and food and beverage options.
Premium Lounge
The Premium Lounge is Kaitaki's private room reserved for passengers 18 years and over. It is undoubtedly the most comfortable and luxurious way to cross Te Moana o Raukawakawa Cook Strait.
Your ticket to the Premium Lounge includes spacious and comfortable seating, a complimentary meal accompanied by your choice of regional New Zealand wine or craft beer.
Our attentive Premium Lounge hosts will make sure you feel right at home during the journey.
Tickets to the Premium Lounge are available from reception or online when you book. The Premium Lounge is restricted to people 18 years and over.
Pelorus Jack Lounge
If you're travelling with family, the Pelorus Jack Lounge may be perfect for you.
Large windows and comfortable chairs and tables ensure you get a great view. A light buffet, with tea and coffee, is included in the ticket price.
Tickets to the Pelorus Jack Lounge are available from reception or online when you book. Children aged two and over are welcome.
Queen Charlotte Lounge
In this adults-only area you can relax in a comfortable leather recliner while you soak in the views. You'll also receive a $15 food and beverage voucher to use at any of the food outlets onboard Kaitaki.
Tickets to the Queen Charlotte Lounge are available from reception or online when you book.
Private cabins
Relax in your own space. Upgrade to a private cabin with ensuite and arrive at your destination rested and refreshed.
Kaitaki cabins are suitable for up to four people with bunk beds, ensuite bathrooms, and fresh towels and bed linen.
Cabin number are limited so ask at Reception about availability or add a private cabin to your booking online.
Places to eat and drink
On Kaitaki, you can choose from three great dining options.
Island Bar and Café
A perfect place to grab a barista coffee and a croissant in the morning, or a cold beer, glass of wine and a light snack in the afternoon, you'll find the Island Bar and Café towards the rear of Deck 8.
On many sailings, you'll be treated to a range of live music courtesy of our Bands on Board programme.
Ocean View Eatery
With excellent food, including kids' meals, comfortable seats, stunning views and a relaxing environment, Ocean View Eatery is a great place to settle down and enjoy the entire journey.
Large windows and comfortable chairs and tables ensure you get a great view. A light buffet with tea and coffee is included in the ticket price.
Hector's Café
Located on Deck 7, towards the front of the ferry, if you're hankering after a delicious slice of cake or an amazing barista coffee, Hector's Café is the place to go.
Places to soak in the views
The spectacular views you'll see are definitely a highlight of your journey and Kaitaki offers a range of comfortable places to take them in.
The Lookout Atrium
Just beyond the Island Bar and Café on Deck 8, you'll find a large atrium, split across two levels and featuring floor to ceiling windows. There is simply no better place to sit back at watch the world float by.
Outside viewing areas
Kaitaki has several large outdoor viewing areas around Deck 7 and an outdoor seating area on Deck 10. These spaces are perfect for soaking in the spectacular views of the Marlborough Sounds - so make sure to bring a camera.
Designed for kids and families
With an entire deck dedicated to children, Kaitaki makes it easy to keep young ones entertained. And for more ideas, check out our kids page.
Play Zone
Specially designed for children aged 3 to 10 years, Play Zone offers a fun and active environment for the kids to enjoy during the journey. Light snacks and drinks are available for hungry tummies. You'll find Play Zone on Deck 2.
Free activity books
Interislander activity books are packed full of activities and puzzles to keep the kids entertained throughout the journey. Free activity books and colouring pencils are available from the friendly team at Reception on Deck 8.
Nurseries
Four small nurseries are available on Deck 7 for those travelling with little ones. Each nursery has bathroom facilities, two comfortable chairs and a changing station. Cabin 4 also has a cot. You'll also find changing stations in the bathrooms on Deck 2
Things to keep you entertained
Cinemas
Relax and enjoy a movie in one of Kaitaki's two cinemas located on Deck 2. Watching a movie is a great way to pass the time if you're feeling a bit seasick.
Movies, including the latest releases, are chosen daily and tickets are available from the Snack Bar on Deck 2.
Bands on Board
We are proud to support New Zealand musicians and entertainers by inviting them to perform onboard during our 8:45am sailing to Picton and our 2:15pm sailing to Wellington.
If there is a band performing on your sailing, you'll find them in the Island Bar. Check out our Bands on Board calendar to find out who's on.
Other useful information
Here are a few more things to make your journey on Kaitaki more relaxing and enjoyable.
Stay connected onboard with our free WiFi.
You can use up to 500MB. This is enough to enable you to check your emails, read the latest news and post on social media. If you want to watch a movie or your favourite TV show, we recommend you download it before you come onboard.
Kaitaki has a dedicated smoking and vaping area outside on Deck 7. Smoking and vaping is forbidden in all other areas of the ship.
Kaitaki has lifts to take you from the car decks to the passenger area and the lifts can also take you between Decks 8 and 9. There are ramps and handrails. Accessible toilets are available - just ask our crew for directions.
Find out more about accessibility on all three of our ferries