Interislander
Interislander
4
About
Cruise with Interislander from Wellington to Picton across the Cook Strait and through the stunning Marlborough Sounds in just over three hours on the three largest ferries in New Zealand. Interislander is one of The Great Journeys of New Zealand and our three ships each feature several outdoor viewing decks that allow you to soak up the gorgeous New Zealand scenery as it floats by. They also have plenty of lounges, cafes and bars to choose from, plenty to keep the kids entertained - including children's play areas - and plenty for mum and dad too. Cars, vans, caravans, campervans, motorhomes, motorcycles and coaches - all vehicles are welcome, just drive on, drive off. And for the rental car providers, just drop off your car at the rental depots within our terminals then pick up another at the other end - easy! Interislander operates a FREE shuttle bus. Departing 50 minutes before each sailing from Platform 9 at the Wellington Railway Station.
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- Ken1 contributionUncomfortable 3.5hrsKaiarahi is a poorly fitted out boat. With not enough seating our family of 5 found ourselves having to battle for hard seats at a tiny table in the food area. At least the poor experience was not limited to us as others opted to sit in hallways instead of ourside in the cold. Only rated 2 as we got to Wellington without dying.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 21 January 2023
- Bea TWellington, New Zealand377 contributionstoo many cancellations at the momentNormally I am quite pleased with the Interislander, but I think it needs to be told that they are now not reliable any more. I had made a booking for last week. This was cancelled due weather and I do understand this, but as there are a lot of technical issues and staff shortages there is no way you can rebook. The communication is bad as well. The website/emails advise that there are long waits to get hold of the customer service team, but you can rebook online. Well there is no availibity so dont let people think they can rebook online if there is nothing. we found another solution, but I feel for all the people that are stranded. Poor service.Visited February 2023Written 21 February 2023
- Jean1963Plainfield, Illinois18 contributionsThe scenic route between islandsThe Interislander is a great way to travel between the North and South Islands. These are huge boats and you can even bring your own car. It’s about a three hour trip between Wellington and Picton. I tend to get a bit seasick, but not if I’m able to stand outside and enjoy the gorgeous views. I’ve seen plenty of seabirds, including an albatross, and dolphins following along side. I was in NZ in 2023 but didn’t take the Interislander this trip. I have a few times in past visits.Visited February 2023Written 29 April 2023
- surreyladSurrey, United Kingdom4 contributionsPoor excuses for reduced servicesMAIN PRO: Vehicle loading was quick ABS easy. MAIN CON: I took the Interislander from Picton to Wellington two weeks ago and the bar/cafe was closed even though the sailing was full. I am catching the return leg today and the bar is again closed. Staff initially said it is closed for service, but when I said it was closed two weeks ago s well they changed there story saying they are understaffed because people called in sick at short notice. I think this is very poor. I don’t trust their excuses and they should have extra staff on call for such scenarios. I think they are just saving money by reducing service to passengers. Bad job InterIslander.Visited December 2023Travelled soloWritten 1 December 2023
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4.0
4,477 reviews
Excellent
2,175
Very good
1,591
Average
390
Poor
131
Terrible
190
Tony W
Cambridge, UK452 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Seems like Interislander has had a "bad press" recently..
But our crossing was efficient and pleasant - on the Aratere ferry. The cheerful staff at checkin explained that this is their most stable ship, because the heavy rail tracks and railcars reduce the ships rolling in bad weather. We needn't have worries, as the weather was almost "flat calm" for the duration.
The ferry seemed almost empty, (maybe everyone was in the cinema?) so we had loads of space to move around.
The sights were spectacular and the seating comfortable.
No complaints from our side !!
But our crossing was efficient and pleasant - on the Aratere ferry. The cheerful staff at checkin explained that this is their most stable ship, because the heavy rail tracks and railcars reduce the ships rolling in bad weather. We needn't have worries, as the weather was almost "flat calm" for the duration.
The ferry seemed almost empty, (maybe everyone was in the cinema?) so we had loads of space to move around.
The sights were spectacular and the seating comfortable.
No complaints from our side !!
Written 2 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InterislanderTeam
Thank you for your review, Tony. We’re glad to hear you had a smooth and comfortable sailing on Aratere. We hope to see you on board again soon!
Written 5 December 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
surreylad
Surrey, UK4 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
MAIN PRO: Vehicle loading was quick ABS easy.
MAIN CON: I took the Interislander from Picton to Wellington two weeks ago and the bar/cafe was closed even though the sailing was full. I am catching the return leg today and the bar is again closed. Staff initially said it is closed for service, but when I said it was closed two weeks ago s well they changed there story saying they are understaffed because people called in sick at short notice. I think this is very poor. I don’t trust their excuses and they should have extra staff on call for such scenarios. I think they are just saving money by reducing service to passengers. Bad job InterIslander.
MAIN CON: I took the Interislander from Picton to Wellington two weeks ago and the bar/cafe was closed even though the sailing was full. I am catching the return leg today and the bar is again closed. Staff initially said it is closed for service, but when I said it was closed two weeks ago s well they changed there story saying they are understaffed because people called in sick at short notice. I think this is very poor. I don’t trust their excuses and they should have extra staff on call for such scenarios. I think they are just saving money by reducing service to passengers. Bad job InterIslander.
Written 1 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Safari65116117937
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
First time user and first time in NZ used Interislander to Picton from Wellington had a very long delay which technical and about couple hours it was cancelled we had made arrangements and had booked the later ferry( 3:45 ) departure from Wellington at 3:45 and the 8:30 and the next with Blueridge we did not have time to get out and get ourself to the next ferry since then did not wait for any customer from the cancelled ferry …we are tourist and had hotel reservation and ferry all advance …we arrived to Picton about 12 midnight and not aware ways to go hotel ( since highway 1 ) was close due to crash , arriving to our hotel
about 3am…. the back from south to north with advance reservation again they delay the ferry from 11am to 2pm had make make lot of adjustments to hotel reservation and other reservation due to this inconvenience …the staff in Wellington were good and helpful but in general heard your services had break down quite frequent.
about 3am…. the back from south to north with advance reservation again they delay the ferry from 11am to 2pm had make make lot of adjustments to hotel reservation and other reservation due to this inconvenience …the staff in Wellington were good and helpful but in general heard your services had break down quite frequent.
Written 16 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Winded Traveller
48 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
Wifi did not work. The cinemas were not open either. Would have been nice if there was more outdoor deck space. Can get crowded at times. Most of the indoor seating gets taken up quick. If it wasn’t for the views it would have been a long three hours.
Written 13 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
FunBoyOne
London, UK196 contributions
We had a good trip on the ferry from Wellington to Picton but it didn’t start well. We dutifully confirmed our 0845 crossing the previous day and booked the premium lounge with the helpful agent who said we’d have to pay the extra at checkin the next day. We were in the line for 0730 and got to the ticket booth at 0800 where she called her manager to ask how we could pay and we were then directed back to the terminal to pay. After driving back to the terminal we were told we’d have to pay on board and to rejoin the queue to check in. Obtaining lounge access was starting to feel hard work and we were wondering if we’d get on board.
The second time round she put us in the priority lane and we drove on quickly. On board they happily let us pay the supplement and we had an enjoyable voyage in the lounge, starting with a good range of breakfast and later snacks and fizz provided by the friendly staff. So, mediocre start, good finish.
The second time round she put us in the priority lane and we drove on quickly. On board they happily let us pay the supplement and we had an enjoyable voyage in the lounge, starting with a good range of breakfast and later snacks and fizz provided by the friendly staff. So, mediocre start, good finish.
Written 9 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ida Cesilie M
1 contribution
Nov 2023 • Family
I’ve been travelling with The Interislander a few times now both with a vehicle and as a walk in passenger and although the staff has always been lovely, I seriously believe that kiwis and tourist alike should start to demand more of the service.
Limited seating options, incredibly steep prices, a poor selection of food and entertainment all contributes to a very sad journey.
On our most recent journey we travelled on the 8.30pm ferry from Wellington to Picton and I have to say I felt embarrassed bringing my family on such an expensive trip across to the South Island. We were all freezing in our woolly sweaters and we’re left puzzled by the limited facilities available.
We payed over $400 in total and I hope that The Interislander is using all their profits making sure they pay their lovely staff a living wage and put the rest into a fund for renewing their facilities on their vessels. It’s time we start demanding more.
Limited seating options, incredibly steep prices, a poor selection of food and entertainment all contributes to a very sad journey.
On our most recent journey we travelled on the 8.30pm ferry from Wellington to Picton and I have to say I felt embarrassed bringing my family on such an expensive trip across to the South Island. We were all freezing in our woolly sweaters and we’re left puzzled by the limited facilities available.
We payed over $400 in total and I hope that The Interislander is using all their profits making sure they pay their lovely staff a living wage and put the rest into a fund for renewing their facilities on their vessels. It’s time we start demanding more.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Colleen
3 contributions
The lounges in the ship were very cold. Despite asking the crew to investigate and all the window shades being pulled down it was an extremely uncomfortable trip. In fact it was significantly warmer when we got back down to the vehicle deck.
Written 8 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Andy
Derby, UK2 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Great trip from Wellington to Picton. Took the early morning sailing and experienced a lovely sunrise. It was an experience to watch dolphins accompany the ship as we entered the Cook Strait. While the weather wasn't great, with the rain driving many people inside, the overall experience was good.
Written 7 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
linda t
Lower Hutt, New Zealand65 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
The trip was so easy, especially following the pink line, no change of going wrong! Guys at the terminal were very efficient, even when I parked the car on an angle instead of straight. Good signage to the upper decks and great areas to read my book, have a coffee and also talk to other passengers. Best way to go if you want to take a vehicle.
Written 26 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer T
Beachmere, Australia8 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
The InterIslander Ferry is a great experience to travel between the North and South Islands at very reasonable cost. The staff are super friendly and helpful, good food and coffee and there is lots of room to sightsee or to relax in comfortable chairs.
Written 21 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How much how much discount does a gold card get from Wellington to Picton on the interislander
jollyrobert
Bridgend, UK994 contributions
Ring them
Would like to express the recurring disappointment that myself friends and 100,s of young chdrn are feeling at the poor management of inter islander ferries. Consistently since Christmas been canceling people s at last minute ferry sailings then informing cannot offer alternative .We all are understanding of lack of employees, breakdowns but sorry not good enough.
Will parking be available long term ie one week at the ferry terminal.
Shona K
Wellington, New Zealand48 contributions
No it's only available for 3 days long term only
Hi, does anyone know if you can take a bus on the ferry? Im looking at an 11m Hino rainbow from north island to south.
Love to hear from anyone with experience and costs ect
cheers
Sachin K
New York City, NY5,857 contributions
Seen several vehicles of different shapes and sizes get onto and off the ferry. However, it may be wise to email them directly with your query because of COVID 19 pandemic. Their customer service is great and they respond quite fast via email for any queries.
Hafitri Wahyu A
12 contributions
Can I buy tickets prior to departure or I need to buy at least 24hours before?
We are a group of 5 with a campervan.
Chris F
Wroughton, UK247 contributions
Recommend buying in advance if you want to go on a specific sailing.
FYQ
27 contributions
Why did some people mention rental cars can’t get on the ferry? Is that true? Thanks
Gary H
Saint Louis, MO71 contributions
The ferry company doesn't care. It is actually up to the rental car company or agency you rent from. Some allow it and others don't. I can say for certain that Avis does NOT allow it. Not a big deal though since they have rental facilities at both the North and South island terminals. We dropped our Avis car off at the South terminal rode the ferry to the North Island and went to the Avis counter at the North terminal and they had a car waiting for us. It was all part of a single rental and didn't cost anything additional. It actually worked out better since we didn't have to pay the extra cost of transporting a vehicle on the ferry.
Crystalism
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia9,039 contributions
Out of curiosity, has anybody used DirectFerries and been cancelled by them before?
stevelotte
Montville, NJ507 contributions
Never used DirectFerries.
Voyager01860058627
1 contribution
hi do you drive on and off the ferry or do you have to back off and is it first on first off or last on last off
Jan Willem t
Nijmegen, The Netherlands1,458 contributions
Hi, it is very simple, the crew will give the instructions which lane will board first and along the track other crew members will guide you to your place on board. The parking places on board are placed in a loop, so you will always drive forward.
Vyacheslav D
Moscow, Russia11 contributions
Hi,
We are traveling on December,23 but almost 2 months in advance the ferry is booked for the date (apart from night 2.30 am). Is this normal? Or there is chance tickets could be available?
Otherwise, we are taking AVIS car, so we need to take “no vehicle” rate. For some strange reason rates with vehicles are still available, but pedestrians are not. What would you advise? Shall we wait, or take vehicle rate and have no vehicles there or change car company (which allows to cross strait with the car?
Thanks in advance!
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Claim your listingINTERISLANDER: All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Interislander
- Hotels near Interislander:
- (0.36 km) Acapella Bed and Breakfast
- (0.57 km) Harbour Lodge Wellington
- (1.97 km) Bolton Hotel
- (0.69 km) Orchard Street Boutique Accommodation
- (1.99 km) Sofitel Wellington Hotel
- Restaurants near Interislander:
- (0.63 km) La Cloche
- (1.63 km) The Thistle Inn
- (0.48 km) Jungle bar coffee
- (1.91 km) Hillside Kitchen and Cellar
- (0.72 km) Le Marche Francais