About this tour
When Noah from our team caught the InterIslander ferry from Picton to Wellington, we were keen to test whether this 3.5-hour crossing really deserves its reputation as one of the world's great ferry journeys. Turns out it does. The route cuts through Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds — dramatic, moody scenery that unfolds from multiple viewing decks while you're free to wander, eat, or just sit with a coffee. The ferries (either the Kaitaki or Kaiārahi) run daily year-round, carry vehicles or foot passengers, and feel properly built for the crossing — comfortable, spacious, not a cramped commuter slog. It's genuinely the most pleasant way to shift between New Zealand's North and South Islands.
Highlights
- Marlborough Sounds views from multiple outdoor and sheltered decks
- Three-and-a-half hours is enough time to explore without feeling rushed
- On-board café, bar, and fast-food options — no need to pack lunch
- Wheelchair accessible with good facilities for travellers with mobility needs
- Kids' play area and nursery (handy for families on full-day journeys)
- Movie theatre on select sailings — genuine time-killer on rougher days
- Vehicle option means you can drive on with your campervan or rental
- Zero hassle with 2 × 23kg baggage allowance per person included
What to expect
You'll board at Picton (South Island) and arrive in Wellington (North Island) three-and-a-half hours later. Once checked in, you're free to roam — most travellers head straight to the viewing decks and don't move for the first hour because the Sounds are genuinely stunning. The water is usually grey-green and moody rather than sparkling, but that's the magic of it; the landscape is all steep bush and rocky outcrops. Inside, it's clean and well-lit, with cafés doing decent coffee and standard ferry food. Our team found the lounge areas actually comfortable — not cramped stadium seating. If the crossing gets rough (weather can turn quickly), the indoor spaces feel solid. Off-peak sailings have limited food services, so check the timetable. The crossing itself is smooth most days, though Wellington Harbour can get choppy on approach.
Kids seem genuinely entertained by the play area and nursery facilities, and there's a movie theatre on some vessels if weather or tiredness calls for it. Bring a book or settle in with the views — it's one of those crossings where time works differently. No surprises on arrival; you simply walk off into Wellington.
What travellers say
- Scenery genuinely ranks among the world's best ferry crossings
- Three-and-a-half hours gives space to relax without feeling rushed
- Solid accessibility — ramps, lifts, family facilities all present
- On-board food and entertainment mean you're not stranded without options
- Runs 365 days a year with multiple daily sailings for flexibility
- Vehicle option makes it practical for campervan and rental-car travellers
- No meals included — food and drink purchases add to the cost
- Timetable changes without notice; confirm plans before booking connections
- Wellington Harbour approach can be rough; not ideal if prone to seasickness
- Extra baggage, sporting gear, and pet kennels all cost additional fees
Themes summarised by our team from public information about this tour. Verify specifics on the operator's page before booking.
Good to know
This is the most civilised way to cross between the islands and actually saves time versus driving around the coast. The scenery is world-class — moody, dramatic, and genuinely worth the ticket price alone. Families appreciate the kids' facilities and pram access. Wheelchair users will find proper accessibility. Pet owners can book kennels (at extra cost), and service animals travel free. Infants under 1 travel free.
Food and drink cost extra — there's no meal included, only the ability to buy on board. Bring cash or expect café prices. Rough seas can affect comfort, especially in Wellington Harbour. If you're bringing a dog, kennel spaces are limited and cost more. Extra baggage, sporting gear (surfboards, canoes, bikes), and pet kennels all incur surcharges — read the fine print if you're travelling heavy. The timetable can change without notice, so confirm before you book connecting plans. During off-peak sailings, some facilities are only open part-time.
Two checked bags per person (23kg each) are included. Anything larger or heavier costs extra. Check in oversized backpacks at Picton; collect at Wellington. Smoking is only in designated areas. The crossing usually feels good for all fitness levels — no climbing required if you stick to indoor spaces, though the viewing decks have stairs. Service animals and infants under 1 travel free; children 2–17 get a discounted rate. Children under 15 need an adult.
Tour sold and operated by Viator via Viator. Descriptions on this page are original BugBitten summaries written by our team — not copied from the operator. Prices and availability are confirmed at checkout.