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How long is the ferry between the two islands?


In Planning your trip, Self-Drive

Around 3½ hours between Wellington and Picton, depending on the sailing and conditions. Interislander sails daily in both directions, and vehicles are carried on every crossing.

Self-drive itineraries usually build the crossing in as its own travel day rather than adding it to a driving day. Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure, which is part of why it absorbs the day.

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Frequently asked questions

Interislander Ferry Timetable

From Wellingon

DepartsShip Name
6:15 am#Aratere**
8:45 amKaitaki
1pmKaiārahi
4:00pmAratere**
8:30pmKaitaki

From Picton

DepartsShip Name
7:30am*Kaiarahi
11:00 am#Aratere**
2:15pmKaitaki
6:30pmKaiarahi

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.
COST PER PERSONApr 2025 - Nov 2025Dec 2025 - Mar 2026
Standard AdultNZ$92NZ$102
Standard Child**NZ$55NZ$59
EXTRA OPTIONS
Premium Lounge Upgrade (18+)NZ$98NZ$98
Pelorus Jack LoungeNZ$53NZ$53
Queen Charlotte Lounge (18+)NZ$38NZ$38
Car/Van/Trailer/Caravan*NZ$245NZ$270
Van/Trailer/Caravan* extra per 500mmNZ$34NZ$34
Campervan/RV*NZ$257NZ$317
Campervan/RV extra per 500mmNZ$58NZ$58
Bicycle/Canoe/KayakNZ$14NZ$14

**Children under 2 travel free

*Van/Trailer/Caravan/Campervan/RV up to 5.5m in length. 

Prices are correct at the time of printing and are subject to change without prior notice.

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.

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