Wellington
Picton
Ferries to New Zealand
Open Ticket??

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

Open Ticket?

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

Trip Details
Outbound
Round Trip

Latest offers for Wellington - Picton

Wellington to Picton Ferry

How long does the ferry from Wellington to Picton take?

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 15 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes depending on the operator that you decide to travel with.   

Wellington to Wellington Ferry Schedule

There are around 36 weekly sailings from Wellington to Picton.  

Interislander provide 3 sailings daily, 23 sailings weekly. Bluebridge provide 3 sailings daily, 18 sailings weekly. Please keep in mind that ferry timetables often increase during the high season.

Wellington to Picton Ferry Time

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.

High Speed Ferry Wellington to Picton

The fastest ferry from Wellington to Picton is with Bluebridge in 3 hours 15 minutes.

What is the price of a fast ferry from Wellington to Picton?

The fastest ferries from Wellington to Picton usually cost around $227.50.

Can I take an overnight ferry from Wellington to Picton?

You can take an overnight ferry on the Wellington to Picton route. The first overnight ferry from Wellington to Picton departs at 02:00.

Can I reserve a cabin on the Wellington ferry to Picton?

You can book cabins on ferries that sail from Wellington to Picton with Bluebridge.

Can I bring pets on the Wellington Picton ferry?

Pets are allowed on ferries travelling from Wellington to Picton with Interislander & Bluebridge.

Can I bring my car on the ferry to Picton from Wellington?

Yes, you can bring your car on the Wellington to Picton ferry with Interislander & Bluebridge.

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

Yes, you can travel as a foot passenger on the Wellington Picton ferry with Interislander & Bluebridge.

Wellington to Picton Ferry Price

The price of a ferry from Wellington to Picton can vary between $84.17 and $463.00 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $86.56, with prices ranging from $53 and $158. The average price with a car is $297.53. 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 March 2025

Cheap Ferry Wellington Picton

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.

Can I travel in first class on the Wellington Picton ferry?

First class is available on ferries from Wellington to Picton with Interislander.

Can I take a day trip on the Wellington to Picton ferry?

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.

Onboard the ferry from Wellington to Picton

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.

Can you take a ferry between New Zealand islands?

Yes, the Wellington to Picton ferry enables passengers to travel from the north island to the south island of New Zealand.

How to get from Wellington to Picton

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.

Why use Direct Ferries?
category
Ferries from 4412 routes and 901 ports worldwide
category
Trusted by over 2.5 million customers
category
We arrange over 1.2 million ferry crossings / year
category
We check up to 1 million prices for our customers daily
Wellington - Picton Ferry Route Summary
Departure CountryNew Zealand
Destination CountryNew Zealand
No. of Operators2
OperatorsInterislander & Bluebridge
Average Price$227
Average Daily Sailings5
Average Weekly Sailings36
Average Sailing Duration3 h 30 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 March 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 30 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 $227. 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 Guide 

The Wellington ferry port is located in a vibrant coastal town, offering a convenient gateway to the stunning Tasman Bay. Situated just 2 kilometers from the city center, visitors can easily explore the charming streets, lined with boutique shops and cozy cafes. The ferry port is within walking distance to the train station, only 1.5 kilometers away, providing easy access to explore the surrounding region. For those using the bus, the main bus station is a short 10-minute walk from the port, making it a hassle-free journey for travelers. The town hosts various events throughout the year, from local markets showcasing artisanal goods to live music performances in the bustling town square. With its picturesque harbour and lively atmosphere, the Wellington ferry port town is a delightful destination to explore before departing on your nautical adventure. 

Picton Guide 

Picton Ferry port sits nestled on the shores of Queen Charlotte Sound, offering a convenient and picturesque gateway to New Zealand's South Island. The town of Picton itself is a quaint and charming coastal village, known for its vibrant arts scene, local cafes, and boutique shops. From the port, travelers can easily access the stunning Marlborough Sounds, renowned for its crystal-clear waters and lush green hillsides. Located just a short distance from the town center, Picton Ferry port is well-connected to public transport links. The town's train station and bus terminals are within easy reach, making it simple for visitors to explore further afield. 

The town centre is approximately 1.5 kilometres away, providing a delightful stroll through Picton's streets lined with colourful buildings and blooming gardens. If you find yourself in Picton during the summer months, be sure to check out the array of events and festivals that take place in the town. From seafood celebrations to music festivals, there is always something happening in Picton to entertain and delight visitors. Whether you are passing through on your travels or planning to stay awhile, Picton Ferry port offers a warm and inviting starting point for your South Island adventures.

What is the difference between Bluebridge and Interislander?

There isn't much to separate Bluebridge and Interislander, except that Interislander tend to have larger boats. This typically means they are less likely to cancel in the event of bad weather across the Cook Strait.

Is the ferry from Wellington to Picton rough?

More often than not, the ferry journey from Wellington to Picton is very smooth. When there are rough weather conditions on the Cook Strait, ferries are usually unaffected due to their size and structure.

Wellington to Picton Ferry Timetables

Timetables between 3/24/2025 and 3/30/2025


Operator Departure Time Arrival Time Duration Sailing Days
Bluebridge 02:00 05:45 3 hours 45 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Bluebridge 08:15 11:45 3 hours 30 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Interislander 08:45 12:15 3 hours 30 minutes Everyday
Interislander 13:00 16:30 3 hours 30 minutes Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
Bluebridge 13:30 17:15 3 hours 45 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
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
Bluebridge 20:30 23:45 3 hours 15 minutes Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat
The quickest way to make & manage your booking

Download the Direct Ferries app or manage your booking online through My Account

App

Customer Service

Visit our customer service page to find useful information on travelling by ferry, our FAQs, and how to contact us for help with your booking