Wellington - Picton
Ferries to New Zealand
Wellington - Picton
Ferries to New Zealand
Ferries from Wellington to Picton are operated by 2 ferry companies, including Interislander & Bluebridge. The crossing typically takes around 3 hours 30 minutes. There are currently 39 weekly sailings on this route, with prices starting from as little as $87. Use our Deal Finder to compare prices and availability, and book your ferry to Picton today.
Booking your Wellington to Picton ferry is simple. Enter your departure and arrival ports along with your preferred travel date to view all available sailings and prices. You can also compare alternative routes and departure times to find the option that best suits your schedule and budget.
Look out for early-booking deals and special ticket types such as upgrades or flexi fares that allow changes or cancellations. To ensure a smooth booking process, always enter accurate passenger numbers and vehicle specifications.
The best time to book ferries from Wellington to Picton is as early as possible. Booking in advance often secures lower prices, along with a wider choice of departure times, seating, and cabin options. We recommend booking at least a few weeks ahead, particularly during peak holiday seasons. Prices can vary depending on demand and availability.
If no sailings from Wellington to Picton appear on your chosen date, this may be due to seasonal timetable changes, temporary schedule adjustments, or limited availability caused by high demand. We recommend checking alternative dates or nearby routes to find the most suitable option.
After completing your booking, you'll receive a confirmation email with your travel details. How your boarding pass is issued depends on the ferry operator you have booked with.
Some operators provide boarding passes at the time of booking, while others require check-in at the port terminal. Where available, online check-in can be completed through the Direct Ferries app.
Ticket desks are generally located near the terminal entrance. To prevent delays, we recommend arriving early to allow sufficient time for ticket collection and check-in.
At check-in you will need to present your booking confirmation and a valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card. If travelling with a pet, relevant documentation like vaccination records, pet passport and insurance may also be required. Passengers using resident discounts must provide proof of eligibility.
There are around 39 weekly sailings from Wellington to Picton.
Interislander provide 2 sailings daily, 15 sailings weekly. Bluebridge provide 4 sailings daily, 24 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
Wellington to Picton ferry prices typically range from $87 to $499. The average ferry price from Wellington to Picton is around $235. The cheapest fares usually start from $87. The average foot passenger ticket costs $103. The average price when traveling with a car is $292.
Prices may vary depending on passenger numbers, vehicle type, route, and sailing time. Please be aware that pricing data excludes service fees and is based on searches from the last 30 days. This was last updated March 26.
The cheapest tickets on the Wellington to Picton ferry cost approximately $87. However, prices can reduce to as little as $39 in the winter.
Direct Ferries makes it easy to compare ferry tickets and prices worldwide, so you can find the best deal for your journey. Please visit our Special Offers page to see current discounts on selected routes and operators. Booking early is typically the most reliable way to secure lower fares and better availability.
Yes, Direct Ferries offers a range of discounts throughout the year. Where available, senior discounts are applied automatically during the search process: simply select the relevant age range when entering passenger details.
Students and recent graduates can receive a 5% discount on ferry tickets. To claim this, register with our partner Student Beans and verify your student or graduate status. Once confirmed, you'll receive a discount code to use at checkout.
Resident discounts are available on selected routes in Spain and Italy. When applicable, choose the "Residents" option during booking and the discount will be applied automatically. Please note that proof of residence or a valid ID showing the correct address must be presented at check-in.
The first ferry from Wellington to Picton usually departs at around 02:00, with the last sailing leaving Wellington Port at approximately 20:30.
Due to the longer crossing time, ferries between Wellington and Picton are generally better suited to weekend breaks or longer stays. For ideas on the best things to do in Picton, please visit our blog.
Whether an overnight ferry runs between Wellington and Picton depends on the operator and timetable. Enter your travel details in our search bar to check if an overnight option is available, alongside current timetables and alternative daytime crossings. Please note that overnight crossings can sometimes take a little longer than daytime sailings.
The fastest ferry from Wellington to Picton is with Bluebridge in 3 hours 25 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Wellington to Picton usually cost around $234.64.
Yes, Interislander & Bluebridge allow cars on ferries traveling between Wellington and Picton. Use our Deal Finder to view live prices for car ferries on this route.
Whether you can take a campervan or caravan on the ferry depends on the operator and vessel used for your chosen crossing. Enter your travel details into our search bar to see which operators and vehicle options are available on the Wellington to Picton ferry.
For more advice and travel inspiration when taking a car, campervan, or caravan, please visit our blog.
Bicycles are currently not permitted on ferries sailing between Wellington and Picton.
Yes, foot passengers are welcome on ferries from Wellington to Picton with Interislander & Bluebridge.
First class is available on ferries from Wellington to Picton with Interislander and Bluebridge.
Pets are permitted on ferries from Wellington to Picton with Interislander & Bluebridge. The average price for traveling with a pet is $339.
Pricing is based on searches from the last 30 days, excluding service fees, and was last updated March 26.
When travelling with your pet on a ferry, you will usually need:
Pet accommodation varies by operator. Some ferries require pets to remain in your vehicle for the duration of the crossing, while others provide designated pet areas or pet-friendly cabins and lounges. Our Deal Finder shows all available options so you can choose the best crossing for you and your pet.
If you're traveling with a guide dog or assistance dog, we recommend informing the ferry operator or our customer service team at the time of booking.
Please ensure you carry all required documentation, as you may be asked to present this during check-in or while onboard.
Even where standard pet travel is not permitted, different rules may apply to guide and assistance dogs. You can confirm the specific requirements for your sailing by reaching out to our customer service team.
Yes, you can book cabins on ferries that sail from Wellington to Picton with Interislander & Bluebridge. The price of a cabin on the Wellington to Picton ferry ranges from $69.67 and $980.16, with an average price of $306.04. Please note that prices may vary depending on the type of cabin you book.
Foot passengers traveling with Interislander can bring up to 2 bags of checked luggage per person, each weighing no more than 23kg. Foot passengers traveling with Bluebridge can bring up to 2 bags per person, each weighing no more than 30kg. You can bring more luggage but it will cost an additional fee. There is effectively no luggage limit for those traveling with a car.
Travel requirements vary by route, so it's important to confirm which documents you need before you set sail. In most international cases you will need a valid passport to travel from Wellington to Picton, and possibly a visa or national ID depending on your nationality and the destination's entry rules. To avoid delays at check-in, check out our blog post on traveling to Europe for useful tips.
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| Wellington - Picton Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | New Zealand | |
| Destination Country | New Zealand | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Interislander & Bluebridge | |
| Average Price | $235 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 6 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 39 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 3 h 30 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 3 h 25 m | |
| First Ferry | 02:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 20:30 | |
| Distance | 47 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 March 2026.
The Port of Wellington is New Zealand’s main ferry port on the North Island and the primary gateway for ferries from Wellington to the South Island. Located close to Wellington city centre, the port offers frequent ferry crossings across Cook Strait to Picton, making it an essential transport link between the North and South Islands.
Wellington Ferry Terminal serves both foot passengers and vehicles and is well equipped to handle high passenger volumes year-round. Ferries on the Wellington–Picton route are among the most scenic in the world, offering onboard facilities such as cafés, seating lounges and outdoor decks. Passengers are advised to arrive early to allow sufficient time for check-in, vehicle boarding and security procedures.
Address: Wellington Ferry Terminal, Aotea Quay, Pipitea, Wellington 6011, New Zealand
Wellington operates a single main passenger ferry terminal at Aotea Quay, used by all Cook Strait ferry services. Boarding areas are assigned by ferry operator and sailing time, so passengers should check their booking confirmation and follow on-site signage.
The Port of Picton is the main ferry port on New Zealand’s South Island and the arrival point for ferries to Picton from Wellington. Situated at the head of the Marlborough Sounds, the port is renowned for its stunning scenery and serves as a key transport hub linking the South Island with the North Island.
Picton Ferry Terminal handles both foot passengers and vehicles and is closely integrated with the town centre. Ferry services operate year-round, with multiple daily crossings on the Picton–Wellington route. Due to high demand during peak holiday periods, passengers are advised to arrive early to allow time for check-in and boarding.
Address: Picton Ferry Terminal, Auckland Street, Picton 7220, New Zealand
Picton operates a single main passenger ferry terminal that serves all ferry services to and from Wellington. Boarding gates are allocated by ferry operator and sailing time, so passengers should check terminal information screens on arrival.
Wellington, the capital of New Zealand, is a compact and vibrant city known for its creative culture, scenic harbour and excellent food scene. As the main ferry port linking the North and South Islands, Wellington offers frequent ferry connections across the Cook Strait to Picton, making it a key hub for New Zealand road trips.
Picton is a picturesque harbour town located at the gateway to the Marlborough Sounds on New Zealand’s South Island. Known for its stunning natural scenery and relaxed atmosphere, Picton is the arrival point for ferries crossing the Cook Strait from Wellington and a perfect base for exploring the surrounding region.
For more travel inspiration, please visit our blog to find all the best places to visit in New Zealand.
