Frequently Asked Questions about New Zealand Travel

Interislander Ferry Timetable

From Wellingon

From Picton

Please note:

• #No Sailing on Sundays
• *No sailing on Mondays
• **Aratere will no longer be sailing after September 2025.
• Final check in times: 60 minutes before departure.
• Please allow three and a half hours for the sailing. While we strive to adhere to the schedule, occasional delays may occur.

Foot Passengers

1. When should I arrive for check-in?

Arrive at the Wellington terminal at least 60 minutes before departure to allow time for check-in and boarding.

2. How do I get to the terminal?

A free shuttle bus departs from Platform 10 at Wellington Railway Station 70 minutes before departure to take passengers to the Kaiwharawhara ferry terminal. The journey takes about 5 minutes. Unfortunately, the shuttle bus doesn't accommodate wheelchairs.

3. What do I need for check-in?

• Your booking confirmation (printed or digital).
• A photo ID if you are 18 or older.

Passengers with Vehicles

1. When should I arrive for vehicle check-in?

Please arrive at the vehicle check-in area at least 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure.

2. How do I find the vehicle check-in area?

Follow the pink signs and road markings directing you to the vehicle check-in area upon approaching the terminal.

3. What should I have ready at check-in?

Ensure you have your booking voucher and photo ID accessible for the check-in process.

4. Are there amenities available during check-in?

For your safety, you must remain in the vehicle check-in area after checking in. Amenities available include toilets, a vending machine outlet offering hot and cold drinks along with a selection of snacks, a pet exercise area, and a shelter for passengers on motorcycles.

Driving Directions

Heading South on SH1 - Download map

1. Exit the motorway at the Aotea Quay off ramp.
2. Change to the right hand lane.
3. Head south on Aotea Quay to the roundabout.
4. Take the third exit and head North.
5. Take the left exit, signposted Motorway North / Interislander before the overbridge.
6. Change to the right lane and follow to the Interislander terminal.

Approaching from Wellington City - Download map

1. Take the left lane travelling North on Aotea Quay.
2. Take the left exit, signposted Motorway North / Interislander before the overbridge.
3. Change to the right lane and follow to the Interislander terminal.

Foot Passengers

1. When should I arrive for check-in?

Passengers should check in at least 60 minutes before departure at the Picton terminal.

2. Is there a shuttle service to the terminal?

No, there is no shuttle service in Picton—passengers must arrange their own transport to the ferry terminal.

3. Is there a walking distance to the ferry?

Yes, foot passengers will need to walk approximately 400 metres, which includes steps when boarding or disembarking.

4. What if I need assistance?

If you require mobility assistance, please:

• Request help at the time of booking.
• Speak to terminal staff upon arrival

Passengers with Vehicles

1. When should I arrive for vehicle check-in?

Please arrive at the vehicle check-in area at least 60 minutes before your scheduled ferry departure.

2. How do I find the vehicle check-in area?

Follow State Highway 1 into Picton, turn left onto Kent Street, continue as it becomes Lagoon Road, and the Interislander Vehicle Check-in will be on your right, just after the NPD Picton Fuelstop.

3. What should I have ready at check-in?

Ensure you have your booking voucher and photo ID accessible for the check-in process.

4. Are there amenities available during check-in?

For your safety, you must remain in the vehicle check-in area after checking in. Amenities available include toilets, vending machines offering hot and cold drinks along with a selection of snacks, and a pet exercise area.

Driving Directions

Vehicle Passengers - Download map

1. Follow State Highway 1 into Picton.
2. Turn left into Kent Street.
3. Follow Kent Street which turns into Lagoon Road.
4. The Interislander Vehicle Check In is on your right, just after the NPD Picton Fuelstop.

Heading from Passenger Terminal to Vehicle Check In - Download map

1. Head south down Auckland Street, away from the Passenger Terminal.
2. Turn right into Dublin Street.
3. Turn right into Lagoon Road
4. The Interislander Vehicle Check In is on your right, just after the NPD Picton Fuelstop.

Carry on: One small bag and one handbag or laptop bag.

Check-in: 2 items of luggage per person at a weight limit of 23kg each.

Size limits: 23kg / 200 linear centimetres per bag.

Additional baggage, sporting equipment, and bicycles will each incur extra cost.

Only personal luggage and sporting equipment are accepted—household goods, machinery, and unattended items must be transported via a courier service.

For more details, please contact our customer service team.

Interislander allows electric, hybrid, hydrogen, and LPG/CNG vehicles on board.

If you’re bringing an electric vehicle, avoid rapid charging for at least two hours before check-in. Hydrogen-powered vehicles are carried in open-air areas for safety. There are no charging facilities on board, but charging stations are available near both terminals. Modified or previously damaged electric vehicles may not be accepted. They need to be declared at the time of booking.

Fuel type must be declared upon booking.

We no longer accept cash at our terminals or on board our ferries. However, you can pay using debit or credit cards via EFTPOS or payWave, as well as through Apple Pay and Google Pay on your smartphone.