FerryConnect

New Zealand

Wellington → Picton

The ferry between New Zealand’s North and South Islands, crossing Cook Strait and then winding through the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. It is one of the world’s most scenic ferry journeys and essential for road trips around New Zealand.

⏱ 3h 30m🚢 2 operators📅 Several sailings daily with each operator🚗 Vehicles accepted🐕 Pet friendly
Book on 12Go→Book on Ferryscanner→

Wellington to Picton ferry at a glance

The ferry from Wellington to Picton takes 3h 30m across the Cook Strait & Marlborough Sounds, operated by Interislander and Bluebridge. Both vehicles and foot passengers are carried. Typical frequency: several sailings daily with each operator.

Crossing times and frequencies are typical figures and vary by season. Confirm the current timetable with the operator or booking partner before you travel. Route facts last reviewed 2026-10-03.

Sources: interislander.co.nz · How we verify

Return crossing: Picton to Wellington

Interislander and Bluebridge also sail Picton to Wellington, taking 3h 30m. Interislander from Picton to Wellington: 2:30 am (commercial vehicles only), 9:30 am (Kaiārahi), 2:00 pm (Kaitaki) and 9:30 pm (Kaiārahi). Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for vehicles and foot passengers.

Wellington to Picton ferry timetable & sailing pattern

Interislander runs eight Cook Strait sailings a day from late September 2026, four each way. Wellington to Picton: 3:30 am (commercial vehicles only), 8:30 am (Kaitaki), 3:30 pm (Kaiārahi) and 8:30 pm (Kaitaki); allow about three and a half hours.

Published departure times

  • 8:30 am
  • 3:30 pm
  • 8:30 pm

Return: Interislander from Picton to Wellington: 2:30 am (commercial vehicles only), 9:30 am (Kaiārahi), 2:00 pm (Kaitaki) and 9:30 pm (Kaiārahi). Check-in closes 60 minutes before departure for vehicles and foot passengers.

Timetables change by season and date. Check exact departures for your travel date on the official timetable.

Official Interislander timetable →Check prices & book on 12Go →

Source: Interislander ferry timetable. Verified 2026-10-03.

Maritime Crossing Route Map

Interactive sea passage between Wellington and Picton

📐 50 Nautical Miles
Wellington⇄Picton
⏱ 3h 30m · 📐 50 nm
© OpenFreeMap / OSM
⚡ Instant E-Ticket

Ready to cross from Wellington to Picton?

Book your crossing with 12Go: live fares, availability and sailing times.

Book on 12Go→Book on Ferryscanner→

Operators on This Route

OperatorCrossing TimeVessels
Interislander3h 30mKaitaki, Kaiarahi
Bluebridge3h 30mRo-pax ferries

Route Features

🚗

Vehicles

Cars, campervans, and motorbikes accepted

🚶

Foot Passengers

Walk-on passengers welcome

🐕

Pets

Pets allowed with valid documents

📐

Distance

50 nautical miles

Getting There & Onward Transport

  • Interislander’s Kaiwharawhara terminal has a shuttle to Wellington railway station; Bluebridge’s terminal is opposite the station
  • Picton connects with the Coastal Pacific train (seasonal) and State Highway 1 to Blenheim, Kaikōura and Christchurch
  • Rental car companies often require you to drop your car in Wellington and collect a new one in Picton. Check your hire terms

Related Ferry Crossings

Also sails from WellingtonWellington → Days Bay (Eastbourne)25m – 50m · East by WestMore ferries in New ZealandAuckland → Waiheke Island40m – 50m · Fullers360More ferries in New ZealandAuckland → DevonportAbout 12m · Fullers360More ferries in New ZealandAuckland → Rangitoto IslandAbout 25m · Fullers360More ferries in New ZealandAuckland → Half Moon BayAbout 38m · Fullers360More ferries in New ZealandHalf Moon Bay (East Auckland) → Waiheke IslandAbout 50m · SeaLink (New Zealand)
📘 Auckland Ferries: Waiheke, Devonport & Rangitoto⛴ All ferries from Wellington🗺 All ferries in New Zealand🔎 Search all routes

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I take a rental car on the Cook Strait ferry?
Some rental companies allow it; many prefer you to return the car in Wellington and pick up another in Picton. Check your rental agreement before booking a vehicle fare.
Is the Cook Strait crossing rough?
Cook Strait can be rough in strong winds, and sailings are sometimes cancelled in severe weather. The final hour through the sheltered Marlborough Sounds is usually calm.
What time does the Interislander leave Wellington?
For passengers: 8:30 am, 3:30 pm and 8:30 pm. The 3:30 am sailing carries commercial vehicles only. Allow about three and a half hours to Picton.
Is there a shuttle to the Interislander terminal in Wellington?
Yes. A shuttle bus leaves Platform 10 at Wellington Railway Station 70 minutes before each sailing.
How long is the ferry from Wellington to Picton?
The crossing typically takes 3h 30m. By operator: Interislander about 3h 30m; Bluebridge about 3h 30m. Actual times vary by vessel, season and sea conditions, so check the timetable for your sailing.
How often does the Wellington to Picton ferry sail?
Interislander runs eight Cook Strait sailings a day from late September 2026, four each way. Wellington to Picton: 3:30 am (commercial vehicles only), 8:30 am (Kaitaki), 3:30 pm (Kaiārahi) and 8:30 pm (Kaitaki); allow about three and a half hours. This is the pattern published in the Interislander ferry timetable (checked 2026-10-03); confirm exact departure times on the official timetable before you travel.
Which ferry companies sail from Wellington to Picton?
Interislander, Bluebridge operate this route. Compare sailing times and ticket types before booking, as they often differ between operators.
Can I take the Wellington to Picton ferry as a foot passenger?
Yes. Foot passengers can travel on this route. Allow time to reach the passenger terminal and check the operator’s check-in closing time.
Are dogs and pets allowed on the Wellington to Picton ferry?
Pets are accepted on this route, subject to the operator’s rules (for example staying in the vehicle, kennels or pet-friendly cabins). International crossings also require the correct pet travel documents.
How far is Wellington from Picton by ferry?
The sea crossing is about 50 nautical miles (roughly 93 km).