Great experience. The whole process was easy. We checked in and were told what lane to get into to. We drove up on to the ferry. The children’s area was a nice option when traveling with 3 children.
Connecting the North and South Islands across Cook Strait daily
Interislander Ferry is a ferry service in Wellington. We connect New Zealand across Cook Strait, sailing between the North and South Islands (Wellington and Picton) every day. We carry passengers, cars, and freight, offering amenities like locally-sourced cuisine, cinemas, and free kids activities on board. Our Kaiwharawhara terminal is located between the central city and State Highway 1.
Great experience. The whole process was easy. We checked in and were told what lane to get into to. We drove up on to the ferry. The children’s area was a nice option when traveling with 3 children.
I had a fantastic experience with Interislander! I caught an Uber from central Wellington and it brought me right outside the entrance to the terminal. I waited a short bit to check-in. I was allowed to keep my heftier backpack with me, which I wasn’t expecting because on their website they seem to say you have to check-in all bags over a certain weight, but that wasn’t my experience. There is plentiful seating available inside the terminal while you wait. My ferry left on-time and it was a great voyage over to Picton! Every staff member I encountered was friendly and attentive, and seemed to enjoy their jobs. Overall a great experience.
We took the 8:45am ferry. Have to arrive 1 hour early for checkin, however the ferry was delayed for 2 hours. We were notified after midnight but didn’t check our emails. Boarding was straightforward. The view from the ferry was spectacular. Restaurant and cafe on board. Journey was smooth.
Super easy check in process in our vehicle. Check-in started on time and the boarding in our vehicle was a very cool and easy process. Once inside the boat there were plenty of activities for our kids, including movies, a magic show and play area. The food offered on board was good and there was a good variety of options. We traveled on a very overcast and drizzly day and still got to see beautiful views of the sound.
We sailed from Picton to Wellington. Our 2:15 pm departure was delayed by 2 hours - they said due to weather but the other ferry was running normally so not sure if that was the real reason. Didn't bother us too much as we could explore Pictoa bit more. Communication was good - sometimes a bit much, but I guess it is necessary to send reminders of check in multiple times. The delay was well communicated and updates were provided regularly. Staff were friendly at passenger and vehicle check in and the loading crew waa very efficient and experienced. The ship itself is massive. The playground was closed but the cinema was open showing 2 movies, which I guess is a nice way to pass the time. There are a lot of different areas to spend the journey at including 2 lounges to hide from the busy main areas. We had Charlotte Lounge passes but didn't really use it as we had front row seats in the main area on Deck 7. And the lounge was basically a row of seats in a different room. Yes quiet but smelled funny and looked a bit tired. When they advertised it as guaranteed views I rhoight they would be at the front of the boat. But the loinge is at the side and most od the windows were blind. There is a cafe as well on that same deck. Upstairs there is a restaurant and another bar. Food is okay, the sandwiches didnt look appealing neither did the slices but the chips(fries) were requested a lot and looked ok. For my meal voucher I chose the nachos. They are fine. Alcohol is also served everywhere as well as tea and coffee. The boat itself shows its age, seats look a bit tored and are worn out. Staff on board were just present, couldn't say that there was anyone or anything outstanding but at the end of the day, it's not a cruise ship -more a bus service so centrally expect more. It's an ok experience, particularly when travelling by car between islands.
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