Wellington - Picton
Ferries to New Zealand
Wellington - Picton
Ferries to New Zealand
The Wellington to Picton ferry route is provided by 2 ferry companies. The ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton is approximately 3 hours 30 minutes on most ferries servicing this route. Ferries between Wellington to Picton cost around $90 and $534, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for ferries from Wellington to Picton.
The Wellington to Picton ferry route is provided by 2 operators and is available for booking all year round. The ferry crossing from Wellington to Picton takes approximately 3 hours 30 minutes on ferries servicing this route. The ferry duration for the Wellington to Picton ferry can range between 3 hours 25 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.
There are around 37 weekly sailings from Wellington to Picton.
Interislander provide 3 sailings daily, 18 sailings weekly. Bluebridge provide 4 sailings daily, 25 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.
The first ferry leaves Wellington Port at approximately 02:00 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 20:30. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.
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 $253.82.
You can take an overnight ferry on the Wellington to Picton route. The first overnight ferry from Wellington to Picton departs at 02:00.
You can book cabins on ferries that sail from Wellington to Picton with Bluebridge.
Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Wellington to Picton with Interislander & Bluebridge.
Yes, you can bring your car on the Wellington to Picton ferry with Interislander & Bluebridge.
Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Wellington Picton ferry with Interislander & Bluebridge.
The price of a ferry from Wellington to Picton can vary between $90.37 and $533.65 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $98.56, with prices ranging from $53 and $158. The average price with a car is $321.28. Car prices can range from $141 and $358.Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season. Please be aware that prices do not include booking fees. 1 December 2025
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. It is highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the Picton ferry.
First class is available on ferries from Wellington to Picton with Interislander.
Unfortunately, you can't take a day trip from Wellington to Picton by ferry due to the long sailing duration. We recommend that you at least stay overnight in Picton to make your trip worthwhile.
Enjoy a host of various amenities onboard your ferry from Picton to Wellington. Bluebridge offer an adults-only Pōhutukawa Lounge, where you can help yourself to all-inclusive food and drinks. There is also free WiFi available, as well as a movie lounge, which is free to access for all passengers, displaying the latest blockbuster movies.
Yes, the Wellington to Picton ferry enables passengers to travel from the north island to the south island of New Zealand.
The best way to travel from Wellington to Picton is by ferry. With 5 sailings per day, you are bound to find a suitable ferry crossing to suit your needs. However, there are alternative routes to explore if you require additional flexibility.
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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 | $254 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 5 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 37 | |
| 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 December 2025.
The Wellington ferry port is located in a vibrant coastal town, offering a convenient gateway to the stunning Tasman Bay. Situated just 2 kilometers from the city center, visitors can easily explore the charming streets, lined with boutique shops and cozy cafes. The ferry port is within walking distance to the train station, only 1.5 kilometers away, providing easy access to explore the surrounding region. For those using the bus, the main bus station is a short 10-minute walk from the port, making it a hassle-free journey for travelers. The town hosts various events throughout the year, from local markets showcasing artisanal goods to live music performances in the bustling town square. With its picturesque harbour and lively atmosphere, the Wellington ferry port town is a delightful destination to explore before departing on your nautical adventure.
Picton Ferry port sits nestled on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound, offering a convenient and picturesque gateway to New Zealand's South Island. The town of Picton itself is a quaint and charming coastal village, known for its vibrant arts scene, local cafes, and boutique shops. From the port, travelers can easily access the stunning Marlborough Sounds, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush green hillsides. Located just a short distance from the town center, Picton Ferry port is well-connected to public transport links. The town's train station and bus terminals are within easy reach, making it simple for visitors to explore further afield.
The town centre is approximately 1.5 kilometres away, providing a delightful stroll through Picton's streets lined with colourful buildings and blooming gardens. If you find yourself in Picton during the summer months, be sure to check out the array of events and festivals that take place in the town. From seafood celebrations to music festivals, there is always something happening in Picton to entertain and delight visitors. Whether you are passing through on your travels or planning to stay awhile, Picton Ferry port offers a warm and inviting starting point for your South Island adventures.
Getting to Wellington Ferry Port is quick and convenient thanks to its central location in New Zealand’s capital. The city has two main terminals — the Interislander Terminal at 1 Aotea Quay and the Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferries Terminal at 50 Waterloo Quay, Pipitea 6011 — both just a short drive or public transport ride from downtown Wellington. If you’re arriving by train or bus, Wellington Central Station is only a few minutes’ walk from the Bluebridge terminal, or a short taxi ride to the Interislander terminal. Drivers can follow State Highway 1 into the city, then take signs for Aotea Quay (Interislander) or Waterloo Quay (Bluebridge). From Wellington International Airport, taxis and shuttles take around 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. It’s best to arrive at least 30 minutes before departure if travelling as a foot passenger, or one hour early if bringing a vehicle. The terminals are clearly signposted and well-equipped, making it easy to begin your ferry journey across the Cook Strait.
There isn't much to separate Bluebridge and Interislander, except that Interislander tend to have larger boats. This typically means they are less likely to cancel in the event of bad weather across the Cook Strait.
More often than not, the ferry journey from Wellington to Picton is very smooth. When there are rough weather conditions on the Cook Strait, ferries are usually unaffected due to their size and structure.
