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☕ Please Buy Us a CoffeeEverything you need to know about crossing Cook Strait between Wellington and Picton — Interislander, Bluebridge, prices, tips and what to expect.
The ferry crossing between Wellington (North Island) and Picton (South Island) is one of the great experiences of a New Zealand trip. You sail through the Marlborough Sounds — a network of drowned river valleys with bush-clad hills, turquoise water and isolated bays. The whole crossing takes about 3.5 hours. There are two ferry companies: Interislander and Bluebridge.
Interislander — the bigger, more well-known operator. Larger ships, more sailings per day (typically 4–5 each way), onboard cafes, bars, movie lounge, kids' play area, and outdoor viewing decks. The scenic experience is better on Interislander because the ships are larger and more stable. Foot passengers from ~$55, cars from ~$135, campervans more. Book at interislander.co.nz.
Bluebridge — the smaller, often cheaper alternative. Two ships running 2–4 sailings per day each way. Slightly no-frills but perfectly good. Often $10–$30 cheaper than Interislander for equivalent crossings. Cafe onboard, decent outdoor decks. Foot passengers from ~$55, cars from ~$120. Book at bluebridge.co.nz.
The journey is approximately 92 km and takes 3 hours 20 minutes (Interislander) or 3 hours 30 minutes (Bluebridge). You leave Wellington Harbour, cross the open water of Cook Strait (about 45 minutes of open sea), then enter the Tory Channel and wind through the Marlborough Sounds into Picton. The Marlborough Sounds section is stunning — go out on deck for this part.
Most travellers doing a road trip take their rental car or campervan on the ferry. You drive on, park on the vehicle deck, walk up to the passenger decks, and drive off at the other end. Check in at least 45 minutes before departure (60 minutes in peak season). Vehicle prices vary by length — a standard car is typically $135–$220, a large campervan $200–$350+. Prices are highest over Christmas/New Year and school holidays.
Cook Strait can be rough, particularly in southerly or northwesterly winds. The open-sea section (about 45 minutes between Wellington Heads and the Tory Channel entrance) is where most motion is felt. If you're prone to seasickness, take medication before boarding, sit mid-ship where motion is least, and face forward. On calm days, the crossing is smooth and beautiful. On rough days, it can be genuinely unpleasant — but the Marlborough Sounds section at the end is always sheltered.
Wellington side: If you have time before your sailing, explore Wellington — Te Papa museum (free), the Cable Car, Cuba Street, and the waterfront. The ferry terminal is a short drive from the city centre.
Picton side: Picton is the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds and the top of the South Island. From here you can drive north to Nelson and Abel Tasman (4.5 hours), east to Blenheim wine country (25 minutes), or south to Kaikōura (2 hours) and Christchurch (4.5 hours).
The Interislander ferry from Wellington to Picton takes approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes. The crossing passes through the Marlborough Sounds, which is spectacular scenery.
Yes — vehicle bookings are available for cars, campervans and motorbikes. Book well in advance during peak season (December-February) as vehicle spaces sell out. Walk-on passengers can usually book closer to departure.
Both ferries run the same Wellington-Picton route. The Interislander is larger and more established. Bluebridge is often cheaper and has newer ships. Both take roughly the same time. Compare prices on both websites before booking.
Connectivity: There's Wi-Fi on board but it can be slow and patchy, especially mid-crossing in Cook Strait. If you need reliable data, make sure you have an eSIM or local SIM — see our eSIM guide.