Interislander - Cook Strait Ferries

Service Alerts

Weather conditions over Easter weekend

27 March 2024 

Updated 9.30am 

Weather conditions in the Cook Strait during Easter weekend from Friday 29 March to midday Saturday 30 March are forecast to deteriorate with large swells predicted. 

As a safety precaution, the 8.30pm Kaitaki sailing from Wellington on Friday and its 2.30am return from Picton on Saturday have been cancelled. Affected passengers will be notified and transferred to an alternative sailing. 

We are monitoring the situation closely and will update this service alert, and advise customers directly, if other sailings are impacted during this time.

If you are worried about seasickness, we recommend that you sit towards the rear of the ship, rather than the bow (front) which experiences the most movement. Don’t sail on an empty stomach, and consider sipping ginger ale. You may also want to try seasickness pills from your pharmacist. You can also buy these onboard, but they work best if taken at the start of your sailing.

For further tips on how to avoid seasickness on your crossing, please visit our guide at Smile through the seasickness - Interislander - Cook Strait Ferries.

Customers can call us on 0800 802 802 if they want to change their booking or have other questions. Our call centre is open between 8:00AM and 5:00PM, Monday – Sunday. Fare conditions and availability apply.

We encourage people to keep an eye on our arrivals and departures page which is updated regularly.

Kaiarahi loading vehicles via the stern

26 March 2024 

Updated 4pm 

Kaiarahi will be loading and unloading vehicles via the stern until maintenance to the loading ramp is completed on 7 and 8 April. This may result in short delays due to the longer turnaround time, however we will be working hard to ensure the impact of any delays remains minimal. 

As the Wellington gangway attaches to the affected end of the ship, we will provide a shuttle bus for foot passengers in the meantime.  

If you have any questions you can contact our team via the call centre at 0800 802 802 . Our call centre is open between 8:00AM and 5:00PM, Monday – Sunday.  

We encourage people to keep an eye on our arrivals and departures page which is updated regularly. 

Plan ahead - allow time for road works

State Highway 1 Picton Elevation - 25 March to early May

From Monday, 25 March, work will be carried out between 7:00AM and 5:30PM under a temporary speed limit of 30 km. 

From 6:00PM to 6:00AM, work will continue under stop/go. Road users must plan for delays of up to 15 minutes and must factor this into their travel plans. Allow plenty of time to get to your Interislander ferry.

Check the NZTA Journey Planner for updates and other roadworks on your route.

NZTA Journey Planner