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The 3 hour, 92km crossing of the Cook Strait is one of the most scenic ferry rides in the world. You sail in a wide arc out of Wellington Harbour and across the open sea of the Cook strait itself, before passing between headlands into the Tory Channel, named after the migrant ship 'Tory' which navigated the channel in 1840. The ship follows this narrow channel between the island of Arapawa and the mainland, all the way to Picton at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound.Taking the ferry from Wellington (North Island) to Picton (South) is one of the world’s best ferry rides, ending in the idyllic wooded cove of Picton Harbour. Even better, it connects with a superbly scenic train ride. A few minutes after disembarking, you can be on the train to Christchurch, ready to enjoy the scenery from an open observation car.
Sail on the iconic Interislander Ferry which will take you through magnificent waterways of the picturesque Marlborough sounds, across Cook Strait to your Island destination!
Smooth crossing, a pleasant service and, overall, a fair price for what you get - and it's more than a trip, it's more like a truly experience with the stunning views of the Marlborough Sounds "one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world"
Each Interislander ship has been rated by Be. Accessible to help you assess the best sailing for your needs.
The terminal in Picton is located off Auckland Street, a few minutes walk from the town centre. For getting to the Picton terminal by public transport, there is a bus and shuttle stop located at the Picton terminal, Interislander report that Picton have wheelchair accessible shuttles. For those passengers connecting to or from the Coastal Pacific train service between Picton and Christchurch, while it is a 4 minute walk elderly and disabled passengers transferring can have a ride arranged. If you are transferring from the ferry to the train, contact terminal staff at the ticket counter on the ground floor who will arrange a ride for you. If you are transferring from the train to the ferry speak to the staff at the train station and they will coordinate your pickup with the ferry terminal staff.
The Wellington terminal for the Interislander is located off Aotea Quay, 5 minutes north of Wellington Railway Station. For getting to the Wellington terminal by public transport, there is a wheelchair accessible shuttle bus from Platform 9 at the Wellington Railway Station to the terminal with tickets being able to be purchased from the ticketing station for $2 per person (children under 5 years of age are free). The bus departs 50 minutes prior to the departure of each sailing. It also runs from the ferry arrivals terminal back to the Railway Station for sailings arriving into Wellington prior to 9pm.
There is a step free access to the terminal and passengers can be dropped off immediately outside the terminal building.
Elderly or mobility impaired passengers travelling on foot can arrange assistance in the terminal, a ride on the accessibility cart up the gangway, and help boarding the ship by calling us at least 48hrs in advance. Alternatively, call the terminal sales counter to make you booking and advise them of your needs at the point of booking. Use our ENQUIRE NOW button to make contact.
Once you have contacted us, a note will then be made on your booking which should ensure that, where possible, your needs are taken into consideration. If you have not contacted us before you travel, we cannot guarantee you of assistance in boarding or during your journey.
When you check in please identify yourself to the check in staff to alert them to your required assistance. Our terminals and ships offer different facilities for passengers on foot including adapted buses and special buggies, however depending on the ship you travel on you may find your route onboard and the ships layout is different on your outward and return journey.
Parking for people with accessibility needs is available next to the entrance of the terminal. Look for the signs indicating where the parking spaces are. Designated parking is also available in pay-parking areas.
Passengers with severely restricted mobility or disability should notify Interislander for their assistance requirement at least 48hrs prior to boarding or call the terminal sales counter to make your booking and advise them of your needs at the point of booking.
On arrival, please identify yourself to the check in staff and alert them to your booking. You will be given a rear vision mirror hanger and asked to display this so that the car marshals can ensure you are queued in the correct lane for boarding the ship. We aim to allocate the most appropriate spaces for accessibility passengers who have notified us of their needs ahead of travel. You may be asked to wait for assistance before you are parked.
All our ships have lifts to help you when leaving the vehicle decks and while moving around the ship during the crossing. If you need to be parked close to a lift, it is essential that you tell us when making your booking and again at the vehicle ticket check-in. There are limited spaces for passengers with accessible requirements which are allocated on a first come first served basis at the time of booking. The ships deck crew will do their best to help you negotiate the busy vehicle deck and make your way to the lifts.
Accessible toilets are available in the departure terminal.
There is a step free access to the terminal and passengers can be dropped off immediately outside the terminal building. Elderly or mobility impaired passengers travelling on foot can use the elevator to access the first floor of the Picton terminal.
Elderly or mobility impaired passengers travelling on foot can arrange assistance in the terminal, a ride on the accessibility cart up the gangway, and help boarding the ship by calling us at least 48hrs in advance. Alternatively, call the terminal sales counter to make your booking and advise them of your needs at the point of booking. Use our ENQUIRE NOW button to make contact.
Once you have contacted us, a note will then be made on your booking which should ensure that, where possible, your needs are taken into consideration. If you have not contacted us before you travel, we cannot guarantee you of assistance in boarding or during your journey.
When you check in please identify yourself to the check in staff to alert them to your required assistance. Our terminals and ships offer different facilities passengers on foot including adapted buses and special buggies, however depending on the ship you travel on you may find your route onboard and the ships layout is different on your outward and return journey.
Parking for people with accessibility needs is available net to the entrance of the terminal. Look for the signs indicating where the parking spaces are. Designated parking is also available in pay-parking areas.
Passengers with severely restricted mobility or disability should notify Interislander of their assistance requirement at least 48hrs prior to boarding or call the terminal sales counter to make your booking and advise them of your needs at the point of booking.
On arrival, please identify yourself to the check in staff and alert them to your booking. You will be given a rear vision mirror hanger and asked to display this so that the car marshals can ensure you are queued in the correct lane for boarding the ship. We aim to allocate the most appropriate spaces for accessibility passengers who have notified us of their needs ahead of travel. You may be asked to wait for assistance before you are parked.
All our ships have lifts to help you when leaving the vehicle decks and while moving around the ship during the crossing. If you need to be parked close to a lift, it is essential that you tell us when making your booking and again at the vehicle ticket check-in. There are limited spaces for passengers with accessible requirements which are allocated on a first come first served basis at the time of booking. The ships deck crew will do their best to help you negotiate the busy vehicle deck and make your way to the lifts.
Elderly or mobility impaired passengers travelling by train should advise the onboard services staff if you require assistance to the train station from the Picton Terminal. They will arrange a ride to the station for you.
Accessible toilets are available in the departure terminal.
Excellent experience. Well organised loading cars, campers, etc. and special care for disabled with walkers/wheelchairs. First in the queue so had (prior booked) cabin with window. Like a real ship cf Empress of Britain, 2 bunks, duvets, pillows, bathroom, hanging space. Brilliant! Strait can be VERY rough but Sounds are sheltered. Restaurant,bar,shop. Wear warm clothes
A. Gunn - January 2016
