New Zealand
Wellington to Picton Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Wellington
North Island
Arrives
Picton
South Island
At a glance
The Wellington to Picton ferry takes about 3h 30m. It is operated by Interislander, Bluebridge.
- Operators
- 2
- Crossing
- 3h 30m
Wellington to Picton ferry timetable
Seasonal sailing times
The Wellington to Picton ferry is operated by Interislander, Bluebridge, and the crossing takes about 3h 30m. Sailings change with the season, and departures are confirmed ahead of each sailing period.
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Wellington – Picton crossing
The crossing from Wellington to Picton is served by two operators, Bluebridge and Interislander, with sailings every day of the week. This domestic New Zealand route connects the North Island with the South Island. Ferries travel between Wellington's harbour on the southern tip of the North Island and Picton's harbour in the Marlborough Sounds.
The Cook Strait Crossing
All ferries on this route must navigate the waters of the Cook Strait. This body of water separates New Zealand's two main islands. The journey across the strait covers a significant distance between the two ports. From Picton, the only scheduled ferry destination is the return service to Wellington.
Passengers should anticipate a duration on the water that reflects the open-sea nature of the transit. The operators maintain a frequent schedule to manage the consistent demand for vehicle and passenger transport on this key inter-island link.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Cinemas and premium lounges
- Locally-sourced food
- Free children's activities
- Pets carried
- Rail freight alongside passengers
- Large vehicle decks — height rarely a constraint
- Cars, utes, vans and campervans
- Freight division for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
Vehicle space is available on this route — book early, especially in peak season. Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
How long does the crossing take?
About 3h 30m.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Interislander and Bluebridge) for current fares.
Who operates this ferry?
Served by Interislander and Bluebridge.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailing frequency on this route varies by season. Confirm current dates with the operator before travelling.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Yes — Interislander and Bluebridge carries vehicles on this route. Book your car space in advance, especially in peak season, and check the specific sailing for size limits.
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 Interislander and Bluebridge, 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.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated July 24, 2026.
Operators on this route
Ports on this route
Wellington on the map
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