New Zealand
Interislander
KiwiRail's Cook Strait ferries
Est. 1962Wellington, New Zealand
Photo: Kaitaki entering Wellington Harbour — Phillip Capper / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)- 2
- Routes
- 2
- Ports
- 3h 30m
- Avg crossing
- Kaitaki, Kaiārahi + new ferries ~2029
- Vessels
- 1962
- Founded
Interislander is KiwiRail's Cook Strait ferries, founded in 1962 and based in Wellington, New Zealand. It operates 2 ferry routes serving 2 ports. Across its network, crossings average about 3h 30m.
Timetables
Which routes does Interislander operate?
2 routes with live schedules.
| Route | Crossing | Sailings | Operators | Country |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Picton → Wellington | 3h 30m | — | 2 | New Zealand |
| Wellington → Picton | 3h 30m | — | 2 | New Zealand |
Picton1 route
Wellington1 route
Network
Where does Interislander sail?
Interislander sails to 2 ports.
Experience
Onboard & services
- Ro-pax ferries
- Premium & Queen Charlotte lounges
- Cabins
- Cafés, cinemas & free Wi-Fi
- Runs the Cook Strait ferry between the North and South Islands
- Operated by the state-owned rail company KiwiRail since 1962
- Wellington to Picton, about 3.5 hours via the Marlborough Sounds
- Historically the only rail-enabled ferry service in New Zealand
- Two new larger rail-capable ferries due around 2029
About
About Interislander
Interislander is the ferry service across Cook Strait in New Zealand, run by the state-owned rail company KiwiRail. Since 1962 its ships have linked the North and South Islands, carrying cars, freight, foot passengers and — distinctively — railway wagons between the two national rail networks.
Wellington to Picton
The single route runs between Wellington on the North Island and Picton on the South Island, a crossing of about 3.5 hours across the open water of Cook Strait and through the sheltered, scenic Marlborough Sounds. It is one of the two operators on the strait, the state-owned counterpart to privately-run Bluebridge, together carrying around a million passengers a year.
Fleet and onboard
The ro-pax fleet includes the Kaitaki (the largest ship) and the Kaiārahi; the veteran rail-enabled Aratere was retired in 2025, and two new larger rail-capable ferries are due around 2029. Ships carry Premium and Queen Charlotte lounges, cabins, cafés, cinemas and free Wi-Fi. Fares are in New Zealand dollars and vary by season, cabin and vehicle size.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
When was Interislander founded?
Interislander was founded in 1962, and is headquartered in Wellington, New Zealand.
Where does Interislander sail?
Interislander operates 2 ferry routes and serves 2 ports in New Zealand, including Picton, Wellington.
What facilities are available on Interislander ferries?
Interislander ferries typically offer Ro-pax ferries, Premium & Queen Charlotte lounges, Cabins, Cafés, cinemas & free Wi-Fi. Facilities vary by vessel and route — check the specific sailing for details.
How early should I arrive for a Interislander ferry?
Arrive at the terminal at least 30–60 minutes before a Interislander departure as a foot passenger, and allow longer with a vehicle. Boarding and check-in times vary by port and route — confirm with Interislander.
How do I find Interislander ferry times?
Browse the live timetables for every Interislander route on this page. Schedules are updated as the operator publishes them — always confirm with Interislander before travelling, as sailings change seasonally.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub.
Contact & booking
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