New Zealand
Marina to Hilton Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Marina
Otago
Arrives
Hilton
Otago Regional Council (ORC)At a glance
The Marina to Hilton ferry takes about 10m, with 14 sailings a day between 08:55 and 21:55. It is operated by Otago Regional Council (ORC).
- First sailing
- 08:55
- Last sailing
- 21:55
- Sailings / day
- 14
- Crossing
- 10m
Marina to Hilton ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 08:55 | 09:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 09:55 | 10:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 10:55 | 11:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 11:55 | 12:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 12:55 | 13:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 13:55 | 14:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 14:55 | 15:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 15:55 | 16:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 16:55 | 17:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 17:55 | 18:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 18:55 | 19:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 19:55 | 20:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 20:55 | 21:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
| 21:55 | 22:05 | 10m | Otago Regional Council (ORC) | Daily |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Marina – Hilton crossing
Ten minutes over eight-tenths of a nautical mile, 98 sailings a week, fourteen departures from 08:55 to 21:55 — twice as long as the neighbouring leg for half the distance.
That ratio is the clue that this sailing is not a straight line: the boat works round the shoreline of the Frankton arm rather than cutting across it.
The Hilton stop is at Kawarau Falls, where the lake drains into the Kawarau River — the point Queenstown's whole hydrology hinges on. The ferry service was introduced in 2017 to take pressure off a road network that carries several million visitors a year through a town of about sixteen thousand people, and it is one of the few genuinely new public ferry routes anywhere in this database.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 10m.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Otago Regional Council (ORC).
What time is the first sailing?
First departure is 08:55, last is 21:55.
What's the sailing frequency per day?
14 sailings a day on this route.
Is there a ferry back from Hilton?
Yes — see the Hilton to Marina ferry for the return schedule.
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within New Zealand.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Otago Regional Council (ORC)) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 10m and several sailings a day (first 08:55, last 21:55), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Otago Regional Council (ORC), so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Where can I check live sailing times?
The timetable on this page shows the latest published sailings for this route. Always confirm with the operator before travelling, as schedules change seasonally.
Same departure port
More ferries from Marina
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Marina or Hilton
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Apr 20, 2026 – Dec 31, 2027.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 12, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Marina on the map
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