Wellington
Picton
Ferry to New Zealand
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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

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Open tickets are valid for up to 12 months from booking date (see ticket conditions).

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Wellington to Picton Ferry

The Wellington Picton ferry route connects the North and South Island of New Zealand via the Cook Strait and is currently operated by 2 ferry companies. Interislander provide 3 daily sailings and 20 weekly sailings. Bluebridge provide 3 daily sailings and 18 weekly sailings.  

There are usually around 35 sailings on offer per week on the Wellington Picton route between the North and South Island. Compare now and get the best fares on Cook Strait ferries at the time that you want to travel.

Wellington to Picton Ferry

Interislander & Bluebridge provide the ferry from Wellington to Picton. Wellington Picton ferries cost between £73.09 and £376.64, depending on ticket details. Prices exclude any service fees. Ferry timetables change seasonally, use our Deal Finder to get live pricing and availability for Wellington Picton ferries.

Wellington to Picton Ferry Time

The first ferry leaves Wellington at approximately 02:00 and the last ferry leaves at approximately 20:30. Ferry schedules can vary by operator and season.

Wellington to Picton Ferry Price

Ferries to Picton typically cost between £73.09* and £376.64*. The average price is typically £203.21*. The cheapest ferries to Picton start from £73.09*. The average price for a foot passenger is £81.62. The average price for a car is £239.88. Ferry prices will vary depending on the number of passengers, vehicle type, route, and sailing times. Prices exclude service fees.

How far is it from Wellington to Picton?

The distance between Wellington to Picton is approximately 53.9 miles (86.7km) or 47 nautical miles.

Can I travel by car on the Wellington Picton ferry?

Yes, Interislander & Bluebridge ferries allow cars on board ferries between Wellington and Picton. Use our Deal Finder to get live pricing for car ferries between Wellington and Picton.

Can I travel as a foot passenger from Wellington to Picton?

Yes, foot passengers can travel with Interislander & Bluebridge ferries between Wellington and Picton.

Can I take my pet on the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Wellington to Picton with Interislander & Bluebridge. Please also note that your pet may have to stay in the vehicle during the journey unless the ferry operator supplies pet accommodation.

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Wellington - Picton Ferry Route summary
Departure DestinationNew Zealand
DestinationNew Zealand
No. of Operators2
OperatorsInterislander & Bluebridge
Average Price£203
Average Daily Sailings5
Average Weekly Sailings35
Average Sailing Duration3 h 29 m
Fastest Sailing Duration3 h 15 m
First Ferry02:00
Last Ferry20:30
Distance47 Nautical Miles

* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 February 2025.

Wellington to Picton Ferry Most Popular Questions

  • How long is the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

    The ferry crossing time from Wellington to Picton is approximately 3 hours 29 minutes. Sailing duration may vary from season to season and by operator, so we would advise doing a live check using our Deal Finder.

  • How much is the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

    Wellington to Picton ferry price can differ depending on the season. The average price of a ferry from Wellington to Picton is £203. Price exclusive of booking fees.

  • Which ferry companies operate between Wellington to Picton?

    There are 2 popular ferry operators for Wellington to Picton. These are

  • How can I book ferry tickets from Wellington to Picton?

    Book ferries from Wellington to Picton through our deal finder and check our offers page to view the latest ferry offers. 

  • Can you travel as a foot passenger on the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

    Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger from Wellington to Picton with

  • Can you take your car on the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

    Yes, you can travel on the ferry with a car from Wellington to Picton with

  • Can you bring pets on the ferry from Wellington to Picton?

    Yes, pets are permitted onboard the ferry. You may need a pet passport. Please read the ferry operators pet guidelines. Currently you can bring pets on ferries with:

  • How far is Wellington to Picton?

    The distance from Wellington to Picton is 47 nautical miles.

Wellington Picton Ferry reviews

  • "Excellent trip "

    Crossing easy and comfortable. Queue for snacks and coffee was a little long( over15 minutes) but not a problem. Weather was superb so most of trip was spent on deck.

    'Kaitaki' travelled on Kaitaki

    Read More Read Less
  • "From Picton to Wellington!"

    A very smooth, pleasant journey. Gave us time to relax between our adventures.

    'Kaitaki' travelled on Kaitaki

    Read More Read Less
  • "Great ride to the South Island "

    Beautiful scenery the whole way

    'Strait Feronia' travelled on Strait Feronia

    Read More Read Less
  • "The best"

    Everyone was very helpful and friendly.

    'Kaitaki' travelled on Kaitaki

    Read More Read Less

Wellington Guide

The city of Wellington is New Zealand's capital city and is located on the south west tip of the North Island, between Cook Strait and the Rimutaka Range. It is the North Island's major population centre and is also the world's most southerly capital city. The city takes its name from Arthur Wellesley, the first Duke of Wellington and victor of the Battle of Waterloo. His title comes from the town of Wellington in the English county of Somerset. The city is a popular tourist destination, as visitors flock there to take in its natural splendour, with its picturesque harbour and green hills, populated with colonial villas. The city's business centre is located close to Lambton Harbour, part of Wellington Harbour, and lies along a geological fault which can clearly be seen along its western shoreline. Many of the city's suburbs are high above the city centre and popular attractions include the Museum of Wellington City & Sea, Wellington Zoo, and the Zealandia and Wellington Cable Car.

Wellington is the North Island port for ferries to Picton on the South Island. Local ferries also connect Wellington city centre with Eastbourne, Seatoun and Petone.


Picton Guide

Picton is a seaside town on New Zealand's south island and sits at the head of Queen Charlotte Sound in the beautiful Marlborough Sound and is regarded as one of New Zealand's prettiest towns. The town is popular with visitors from across the world who go there to enjoy its wonderful coastline, it has around 20% of New Zealand's coastline at its door, and to enjoy the best climate in New Zealand.

Being located on Marlborough Sound gives the town a relaxed atmosphere and is characterised by secluded bays and lovely clear waters. The view from the town's waterfront is perhaps one of the world's finest views and bears testament to the importance of the water and of boats to the town. Regular boat trips from Picton’s waterfront jetties take visitors to stunning locations throughout Queen Charlotte Sound.

Inter-island ferries to and from Wellington arrive and depart from Picton via Marlborough Sound. Most of the sheltered part of the route is through Tory Channel, south of Arapawa Island. The township of Waikawa is a couple of minutes drive from Picton and is home to one of the largest marinas in New Zealand.

Wellington to Picton Ferry Timetables

Ferry Timetables between 03/02/2025 and 09/02/2025


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Bluebridge 02:00 05:45 3 hours 45 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Bluebridge 08:15 11:45 3 hours 30 minutes Everyday
Interislander 08:45 12:15 3 hours 30 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Interislander 13:00 16:30 3 hours 30 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Bluebridge 13:30 17:15 3 hours 45 minutes Everyday
Interislander 16:00 19:30 3 hours 30 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Interislander 20:30 00:00 3 hours 30 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Bluebridge 20:30 23:45 3 hours 15 minutes Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
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