Kids, set sail for fun on the Cook Strait ferry

Ahoy, adventurers! Joining us aboard Interislander? Whether you’re a seasoned sailor or a first-time explorer, our ship is brimming with exciting activities just for children.

Magician Nigel Kennedy performs on Interislander ferry

Holiday Entertainers

If you are travelling in the New Zealand school holidays our onboard magician will dazzle you with mind-bending tricks or you can have your face painted or watch balloon sculptures come to life!

Join our Cook Strait Explorers

Discover our family of explorers around the ship, in our activity sheet and colouring competitions. Find out what they love about Aotearoa and the Marlborough Sounds. Take in their stories of travel aboard Te Moana and meeting some of New Zealand’s precious wildlife.

Ask the crew for your activity sheet and colouring pencils or pick some up in the terminal before you set sail.

A big thank you to Adele Jackson and Fifi Colston for bringing the explorers to life in 2020.

Illustration of children on a boat in Marlborough Sounds

DID YOU KNOW?

Whekenui Bay (wheke, meaning octopus in te reo Māori) is the place where, according to Māori legend, Kupe caught and killed the giant octopus he had chased all the way from Hawaiki to Aotearoa.

Colouring Competition

Get creative and join in our colouring competition every school holidays. As you colour, you’ll discover what our Cook Strait Explorers are up to around Wellington or Marlborough. We’ll supply the picture and some colouring pencils, or you can use your own. There are prizes to be won!

Listen out for announcements on board or ask the crew.

Colourful pictures, part of Interislander's school holiday colouring competition.

DID YOU KNOW?

The north and south islands of Aotearoa are not as far apart as you might think. There are just 19 kilometres between Perano Head at the edge of Marlborough Sounds and Cape Terawhiti on the Wellington coast. This is the narrowest point of the Cook Strait. The Interislander travels 92km between Picton and Wellington.

Pelorus Jack Lounge

The Pelorus Jack lounge is a space where families can relax and enjoy the voyage. There are comfy seats, snacks, and friendly service – all just for you.

You need a special ticket to use the Pelorus Jack Lounge, talk to Mum or Dad about it before you travel.

Mother and child enjoy breakfast in Interislander's Pelorus Jack Lounge

Monther and son watch a movie onboard Interislander

Movie Magic

If you’re sailing on Kaitaki or Aratere, catch the latest release movies like “IF” or “Inside Out 2” in our onboard cinema. Snacks, comfy seats, and family-friendly flicks – perfect for a cosy voyage.

Space for you to be yourself

Find a spot in one of our family-friendly areas to get comfy and enjoy the journey together. Whether you want to read some books, play a game or do some dolphin spotting we've got room for everyone.

Mother and child looking out over the ocean from Interislander ferry

Boy with a big smiling in front of a play area

Play Zone Playground on Kaitaki

Did you know we have a two-story Play Zone on Kaitaki? Hang upside down, run around and explore. Slides, climbing frames, and adventure await!

Delicious meals… especially for kids

Sailing can make you hungry. We've got options just for you at breakfast, lunch and dinner time. Our kids' fish and chips, nuggets and hot dogs come in a ship-shaped box you can play with afterwards.

Child enjoying fish n chips served in a ferry-shaped box

Ilustration of child watching Pelorus Jack a dolphin famous in New Zealand

Scavenger Hunt

Ask the crew for your Scavenger Hunt activity sheet. Hunt for fascinating facts about the Cook Strait while you explore the ferry. Find Pelorus Jack, the famous dolphin, a giant wheke/octopus and learn about the wild winds of Cook Strait. Will you be able to find all six facts placed around the ship?

Curious about Cook Strait? Read more about our featured stories here.

DID YOU KNOW?

Sinclair Head / Te Rimurapa is the winter home for New Zealand fur seals. About 150 seals haul themselves onto the rocks to rest and feed between May and August.

Go on a Cook Strait Sea Safari

Imagine spotting dolphins, porpoises, and even whales as you sail across Cook Strait! It happens more often than you might think. Our ferries have special outdoor spots where you can enjoy amazing views of Wellington Harbour, the Cook Strait, and the Marlborough Sounds.

If you're on Aratere, you can stand right at the front of the ship, where you'll have the best chance to see dolphins swimming by (almost as good as the Captain's view from the bridge!).

Our friends at Project Jonah have a fantastic guide to help you identify the dolphins, porpoises, and whales you might see during your trip.

We also have some cool tips for your Sea Safari on our blog.

Seal Colony Kaikoura Feature ScaleWidthWzc5NV0

Something for Mum and Dad

Here’s what some happy parents had to say about their Interislander journey

“So stoked about the crew dressing up and doing special stuff for Halloween! My kids were bummed to be missing out on trick or treating as we were away, but the staff made up for it! Very friendly and lovely and fun!”

“Kids activities such as magic show and balloons were great, as was the soft play area on the second floor - made for a very easy trip”

“Magician on board playing with kids was very impressive. As a parent, keeping kids happy and occupied while travel had been a big concern to me, but then thanks to your activities provided to make it so much easier.”

Nursery and Change Tables

Parents, we've got your back. Clean, comfortable spaces for nappy changes and a quiet space for you and your baby. Or, if you are travelling on Kaitaki, consider booking a cabin for your journey.

Please note, all activities and facilities are subject to availability and can differ by vessel.