Wellington – Picton
Ferries to New Zealand
Wellington – Picton
Ferries to New Zealand
The Wellington to Picton ferry is available with 2 operators and runs all year round. The ferry from Wellington to Picton takes around 3 hours and 34 minutes on most ferries serving this crossing. The duration for the Wellington to Picton ferry can vary between 3 hours 30 minutes and 3 hours 45 minutes depending on the operator that you choose to book with.
There are 46 weekly sailings from Picton to Wellington. Interislander offer up to 15 weekly sailings and Bluebridge offer up to 4 sailings each day. Please keep in mind that the number of ferry sailings often increase during the high season.
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.
Bluebridge and Interislander provide the fastest ferry from Wellington to Picton in 3 hours and 30 minutes.
The fastest ferries from Wellington to Picton typically cost around $218.
There are overnight sailings available from Wellington to Picton. The first overnight sailing from Wellington usually departs at 02:00.
You can book cabins on ferries that sail from Wellington to Picton with Interislander and Bluebridge.
Yes, pets are welcome on the ferry from Wellington to Picton with Bluebridge and Interislander. Pets must either stay in your vehicle or in one of the kennels available onboard, which cost $15 each way. Please also ensure that your pet is fully vaccinated before travelling.
Passengers are allowed a maximum of two bags weighing up to 30kg at no additional cost.
The price of a ferry from Wellington to Picton can vary between $53 and $337 depending on the operator, season and whether you are travelling with a vehicle. The average price of a foot passenger is $70, prices can range from $53 and $158. The average price with a car is $182. Car prices can range from $141 and $358. Prices may vary for other vehicle types. All ferry prices can change from season to season.
Prices subject to change, pricing representative of searches over last 30 days. Please note that prices do not include booking fees.
Find cheap ferry tickets using our deal finder. We highly recommended that you book in advance to ensure yourself the best possible prices and availability on the ferry to Picton.
The easiest way to travel from Wellington to Picton is by ferry. With 6 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.
Interislander offer first class on their ferries from Wellington to Picton.
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| Wellington - Picton Ferry Route Summary | ||
|---|---|---|
| Departure Country | New Zealand | |
| Destination Country | New Zealand | |
| No. of Operators | 2 | |
| Operators | Interislander & Bluebridge | |
| Average Price | $392 | |
| Average Daily Sailings | 7 | |
| Average Weekly Sailings | 47 | |
| Average Sailing Duration | 3 h 30 m | |
| Fastest Sailing Duration | 3 h 15 m | |
| First Ferry | 02:00 | |
| Last Ferry | 20:30 | |
| Distance | 47 Nautical Miles | |
* Prices subject to change, pricing is taken from last 30 days, last updated 1 April 2025.
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.
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.
The ferry route between Wellington and Picton operates throughout the entire year, ensuring consistent service regardless of the season. Travellers can count on this route to be available whenever they plan their journey, making it a reliable choice for year-round travel.
The ferry route between Wellington and Picton offers cabins on board, providing a comfortable and private space for passengers during their journey.
