So, you're standing on the edge of the South Island, looking across a stretch of water that basically acts as a wind tunnel between two massive landmasses. The ferry Picton to Wellington isn't just a boat ride. Honestly, it’s a rite of passage. If you've never done it, you might think you just show up, drive onto a ramp, and drink a flat white for three hours.
You’d be kinda wrong.
The Cook Strait is notorious. It is one of the roughest, most unpredictable stretches of water on the planet. But on a bluebird day? It’s arguably the most beautiful commute in the world. I’ve seen people lose their lunch over the side in a swell, and I’ve seen those same people speechless as dolphins jump alongside the hull in the Marlborough Sounds.
Choosing between the two big players—Interislander and Bluebridge—is where most travelers trip up.
The Battle of the Boats: Interislander vs. Bluebridge
Most people just pick the cheapest one. That’s a mistake.
Interislander is the "big" one. It’s state-owned, part of the KiwiRail family, and usually runs the larger ships like the Kaitaki. Because the ships are bigger, they tend to handle the "Cook Strait Wobble" a little better. If you’re prone to seasickness, the extra weight of an Interislander vessel can be the difference between a nap and a nightmare.
Bluebridge, on the other hand, often feels a bit more "local." Their terminal in Wellington is right in the heart of the city, which is a massive win if you’re a foot passenger. You can basically walk off the boat and into a craft beer bar in ten minutes.
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Prices? They fluctuate wildly.
Expect to pay anywhere from $75 to $105 for a standard adult foot passenger. If you're bringing a car, the price jumps significantly, often sitting between $230 and $350 depending on the season.
- Interislander: Better for those who want "big ship" amenities, like movie theaters and multiple lounges.
- Bluebridge: Better for budget-conscious travelers and those who want a central Wellington arrival.
Timing is Everything (and the Aratere Factor)
Right now, the fleet is in a bit of a transition phase. You might have heard about the Aratere retiring. It’s been the workhorse of the strait for decades. Because of wharf upgrades in Picton and new ships on the horizon for 2029, the schedules are currently a bit "fluid."
Always check your booking 24 hours before. I'm serious.
One thing people forget is the check-in cut-off. If you are driving a vehicle, you need to be there at least 60 to 75 minutes before departure. They are strict. If you roll up 20 minutes before the ramp closes, you’re probably going to be watching the ferry sail away from the wharf while you sit in your car feeling silly.
For foot passengers, 45 minutes is usually the sweet spot.
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The Secret Scenic Route
The first hour leaving Picton is pure magic. You’re not in the open ocean yet; you’re winding through the Tory Channel.
The hills of the Marlborough Sounds rise up on both sides, and it feels like the ship is way too big for the narrow gaps it’s squeezing through. This is the time to be on the top deck. Don’t stay in the cafe. Don’t look at your phone. Look for the Pencarrow Lighthouse as you approach Wellington.
It was New Zealand's first permanent lighthouse, and it’s perched on a cliff that looks like something out of a Gothic novel.
Why You Should Book a Cabin
If you’re on the 2:30 AM sailing (the "Red Eye"), do yourself a favor and book a cabin.
Bluebridge is famous for its sleeper service. For an extra $30 to $60, you get a private room with a bunk and a shower. It sounds like a luxury, but when you’re crossing the strait in the middle of a pitch-black night, having a bed is the only way to arrive in Wellington feeling like a human being instead of a zombie.
Dealing with the "Cook Strait Wobble"
Let's talk about the weather.
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The wind in Wellington doesn't just blow; it screams. When the southerlies hit, the ferry Picton to Wellington becomes a bit of a roller coaster. If the captain mentions "significant swell" over the intercom, that is your cue to:
- Find a seat in the middle of the ship (the point of least motion).
- Fix your eyes on the horizon.
- Avoid the greasy fish and chips until you're in the calm water of the harbor.
Honestly, the crew are pros. They’ve seen it all. If it’s actually dangerous, they won't sail. But "uncomfortable" is a different story. If you’re worried, grab some ginger tablets or Sea-Bands from a pharmacy in Picton before you board.
Logistics: Luggage and Pets
You get two checked bags (up to 23kg each) as a foot passenger. It’s basically like an airline but with less stress.
Dogs are welcome, too! But they usually have to stay in the car or in a pre-booked kennel on the vehicle deck. Some of the newer configurations allow for "pet-friendly" cabins, but these sell out months in advance during the summer holidays.
What to do when you land in Wellington
The arrival is spectacular. You’ll sail past Matiu/Somes Island, which used to be a quarantine station and is now a predator-free bird sanctuary.
If you’re on the Interislander, you’ll dock at Kaiwharawhara. It’s a bit out of the way, but there’s a free shuttle bus that takes you straight to the Wellington Railway Station. From there, you're a five-minute walk from the Beehive and the waterfront.
If you’re on Bluebridge, you’re already right there. You can walk to the CBD.
Actionable Next Steps for Your Crossing:
- Book early: I cannot stress this enough. During the peak summer months (December to February), sailings sell out weeks in advance.
- Download the apps: Both companies have decent notification systems for delays.
- Pack a "Ferry Bag": You can't go back to your car once the ship starts moving. Make sure your jacket, meds, and headphones are in a small bag with you.
- Check the swell: Use a site like MetService to check the Cook Strait marine forecast. If it says "4 meters," maybe eat a light breakfast.
The ferry Picton to Wellington is a 92-kilometer journey that takes about three and a half hours. It’s the link that holds the country together. Whether you’re moving house, on a Great Kiwi Road Trip, or just crossing for a weekend of Wellington's famous coffee, treat the journey as an experience, not just a transit. Turn off the Wi-Fi, head to the rail, and watch the South Island fade into the mist. It's worth it.