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 $87 and $502, 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 31 weekly sailings from Wellington to Picton.
Interislander provide 2 sailings daily, 16 sailings weekly. Bluebridge provide 4 sailings daily, 24 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 $243.54.
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.
The price of a cabin on the Wellington to Picton ferry ranges from $70.91 and $997.61, with an average price of $313.05. Please note that prices may vary depending on the type of cabin you book.
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 $86.64 and $501.59 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $111.90, with prices ranging from $53 and $158. The average price with a car is $314.04. 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 February 2026
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.
The cheapest tickets on the Wellington to Picton ferry cost approximately $86.64. However, prices can reduce to as little as $39.39 in the winter.
Yes, students can get a 5% discount on Wellington Picton ferry tickets throughout the year. Check out our special offers page for all the latest discounts and to get the cheapest Wellington to Picton ferry booking.
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.
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 | $244 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 5 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 31 | |
| 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 February 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 two 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.
