Ferry to New Zealand
Every crossing in one place
Ferry to New Zealand
Every crossing in one place
More routes than anyone else.
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Ferries to New Zealand are available with Interislander, Fullers 360, Bluebridge, Stewart Island Experience & Sealink NZ.
There are approximately 98 daily sailings and up to 694 weekly sailings to New Zealand. Please note that ferry schedules can change throughout the year and usually increase during the high season. Take advantage of our deal finder for the latest sailing times and availability.
There are 12 ports in New Zealand. The most popular port is Picton Port with 43 weekly sailings.
The Wellington to Picton ferry sails approximately 6 times per day and up to 39 times per week, with an average sailing duration of 3 hours 30 minutes. The Wellington Picton ferry costs approximately $263. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees.
The Auckland to Waiheke ferry sails approximately 21 times daily and up to 144 times weekly, with a sailing duration of 40 minutes. Auckland Waiheke ferry is $77 on average. Exclusive of booking fees.
Prices will vary depending on number of passengers, vehicle type, route and sailing times. Pricing is taken from searches over last 30 days and exclusive of service fees, last updated September 26.
New Zealand island hopping is centred around one of the most iconic ferry journeys in the world — the crossing between the North and South Islands. Departures operate every day between Wellington and Picton, linking the country’s two main landmasses via the Cook Strait. The sailing typically takes around 3 hours, depending on weather conditions, and combines open-ocean sailing with a slow, scenic cruise through the Marlborough Sounds.
Although New Zealand doesn’t have dense island clusters in the same way as the Mediterranean, ferry travel still plays a key role in exploring coastal and offshore destinations. From short harbor crossings to remote island escapes, ferries provide access to places that are often harder to reach by road or air.
Wellington is the main departure port for inter-island travel. Located at the southern tip of the North Island, it serves as the gateway to the South Island via the Cook Strait, with multiple daily sailings operated by Interislander and Bluebridge.
Picton, at the head of the Marlborough Sounds, is the South Island’s primary ferry port. Unlike most ferry terminals, it sits within a network of fjord-like waterways, meaning arrivals feel more like a scenic cruise than a standard port approach.
Auckland, further north, is the country’s main port for shorter island routes. Regular ferries run across the Hauraki Gulf to destinations such as Waiheke Island and Rangitoto, offering easy day trips from the city.
The table below highlights the most popular ferry routes for travelers exploring New Zealand by sea. Timetables vary by operator and season, so it’s always worth confirming departure times before traveling.
| Island / Destination | High-Speed Ferry | Conventional Ferry | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picton | N/A | 3 hours – 3 hours 30 minutes | South Island |
| Waiheke Island | 35–45 minutes | 1 hour | Hauraki Gulf |
| Rangitoto Island | 25 minutes | N/A | Hauraki Gulf |
| Great Barrier Island | N/A | 5 hours and 30 mins | Hauraki Gulf |
| Stewart Island | 1 hour | N/A | Southland |
The Wellington to Picton ferry is New Zealand’s most important and most scenic route, crossing the 90km-wide Cook Strait. The journey takes around 3 hours and 30 minutes and typically includes multiple daily departures with both operators.
The route is often considered a highlight of traveling in New Zealand, combining dramatic open-water sailing with sheltered passages through the Marlborough Sounds, where steep forested hills drop directly into the sea. Wildlife sightings — including dolphins and seabirds — are common, particularly in calmer conditions.
Short ferry routes from Auckland provide easy access to some of the North Island’s best day-trip destinations. Waiheke Island is known for vineyards and beaches, while Rangitoto offers volcanic hiking trails with panoramic views back toward the city skyline.
Although New Zealand’s islands are more spread out than in Europe, they offer a wide variety of landscapes and experiences, from vineyards to remote wilderness.
Given the distances involved, the best itineraries focus on combining nearby destinations or building around the Cook Strait crossing. Below are some practical and well-balanced routes:
The classic New Zealand ferry itinerary, combining city culture with natural landscapes.
Good to know: Please be aware that you can bring your car on the Wellington to Picton ferry. This way you can explore more of the South Island. For more inspiration, read our guide on the best New Zealand road trips.
One of the easiest and most popular island combinations in New Zealand.
Good to know: Ferries run frequently throughout the day, making this ideal even as a day trip.
A short but rewarding trip focused on nature and views.
Good to know: There are no shops or accommodation on Rangitoto, so plan accordingly.
A more remote and nature-focused itinerary at the southern edge of New Zealand.
Good to know: Weather conditions can affect crossings, particularly in winter.
For more travel inspiration, see our Auckland to Waiheke ferry travel guide and our guide on when is the best time to visit New Zealand.
Yes, there is a car ferry to New Zealand. Interislander, Bluebridge & Sealink NZ provide car ferries to New Zealand.
Pets are allowed to travel on ferries to New Zealand with Interislander, Bluebridge, Stewart Island Experience & Sealink NZ.
The price of a ferry to New Zealand can fluctuate by route, operator and season. Please visit our special offers page for all the best ferry offers available.
Book ferry tickets to New Zealand online with Direct Ferries by using our Deal Finder and compare routes, prices and operators for the best deals.
Find out what it's like onboard the ferries before you travel.
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