About Interislander Ferry
Wellington Harbour, the open waters of Cook Strait and the winding channels of the Marlborough Sounds create an ever-changing panorama between New Zealand’s two main islands. Forested hills, rugged coastlines and deep blue water transform the Interislander crossing into far more than a journey between destinations.
The Story of This Place
Cook Strait forms the natural divide between New Zealand’s two main islands, and the Interislander was created to bridge it, linking the North and South Island road and rail networks by sea. What began as a practical transport link has become a memorable part of the journey between the islands.
Cultural Significance
Cook Strait is known in Māori as Raukawa Moana. Māori traditions connect these waters with the great Polynesian navigator Kupe, who pursued the giant octopus Te Wheke-o-Muturangi from Hawaiki to the strait, where he finally defeated it after a fierce battle. This story gives the crossing a cultural history reaching back long before modern ferry travel.
The Experience of Visiting
Passengers can relax in comfortable indoor seating or step onto the outdoor viewing decks as the ferry travels between Wellington and Picton. Across the journey, the scenery shifts between city-fringed harbour, open sea and the sheltered inlets and forested hills of the Marlborough Sounds. Cafés, lounges and onboard entertainment provide places to unwind while the views continually change. Pure Discoveries® travellers journey from Wellington to Picton, with the option to upgrade to the Premium Lounge at an additional cost for added comfort and complimentary food and beverages.
Natural Features
The crossing brings together three contrasting marine landscapes: the sheltered waters and surrounding hills of Wellington Harbour, the open expanse of Cook Strait and the intricate waterways of the Marlborough Sounds. Seabirds, seals, dolphins and other marine life may also be seen, although sightings vary with the conditions and season.
Good to Know
- The Interislander journey covers approximately 93 kilometres between Wellington and Picton and takes around 3.5 hours.
- About two-thirds of the crossing passes through the scenic waters of Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds, with the remaining third crossing Cook Strait between the North and South Islands.
Little-Known Facts
The dolphin in the Interislander logo was inspired by Pelorus Jack, a legendary Risso’s dolphin known for escorting ships through waters near the Marlborough Sounds. His association with vessels travelling between the islands made him a fitting symbol for the Cook Strait ferry service.
The Wellington to Picton passenger route is much older than the Interislander name. Ferries began carrying passengers between the two towns in 1875, while the modern Interislander service began with the maiden voyage of Aramoana on 13 August 1962.
One Thing to Know
The Interislander turns a necessary journey between New Zealand’s main islands into a memorable experience of open sea, sheltered sounds and ever-changing coastal scenery.