Cook Strait Ferry

You can fly between the two Islands, and it's certainly quicker, but then you'd miss the scenery and the journey. The 92km voyage between Picton and Wellington takes three hours and twenty minutes.

Two ferry companies do daily trips between the islands, Interislander and Bluebridge. The journey takes you northeast through the calm waters of Marlborough Sounds, and southeast across Cook Strait before turning into Wellington Harbour.

The scenery offered by Queen Charlotte Sound is breath taking, cruise past lush secluded bays, and on a clear day you’ll be able to gaze back across the South Island towards the peaks of the Southern Alps. On board there is plenty to do, with cinemas, shops, workstations, cafes, bars and lounges from which to simply enjoy the journey.

See a complete list of Picton ferry service options.

This week's featured transportation in Picton is:

Featured Ferry Services

Bluebridge Cook Strait Ferry - Wellington Ferry Service - Wellington Experience a taste of warm 'kiwi' hospitality when you cruise Cook Strait with the proudly New Zealand owned Bluebridge service. With stunning scenery, friendly service, free big screen movies and a choice of up to four return sailings a day (except Christmas Day) between Wellington and Picton - there's no better way for you and your vehicle to cross Cook Strait. More...

InterIslander Ferry - Picton to Wellington Ferry Services - Picton - Starting from around NZ $70.00 per person Jump aboard a the interIslander daily ferry service across Cook Strait; the stretch of water separating the South and North Islands of New Zealand. Not just the link between islands, it's a New Zealand experience not be missed. An edition of the US magazine Wine Spectator, described the interIslander trip as 'one of the most beautiful ferry rides in the world' and the scenery was described as 'jaw droppingly stunning!' More...

InterIslander Ferry - Wellington to Picton Ferry Services - Wellington - Starting from around NZ $70.00 per person InterIslander offers daily ferry services across Cook Strait linking New Zealand's North and South Islands. Cruise across in 3-hours whilst traveling in comfort and style as you savor one of the world's most scenic ferry journeys.The InterIslander is an experience not be missed.  More...