At a glance
- Procedures and terminals differ for foot passengers and vehicle passengers, so read the instructions for your booking type.
- Check the rental company’s terms first to see whether you can take your rental car on board or need to switch cars at each end.
- Large bags may need to be checked, so keep any medication, warm layers, and chargers you’ll need during the crossing in a small bag.
- Don’t schedule a long drive or fixed tour right after arriving in Picton, so you can adapt if there’s a delay.
Day by day
Suggested itinerary
See each day's route, highlights, background and stay together in one place.
Check sailing alerts → save the terminal location and check-in instructions → pack a small bag for the ferry
Check in with plenty of time → cross Cook Strait → stay overnight in Picton or travel only a short distance
Contact providers to change bookings after Picton → cancel long nighttime drives
How to fit it in
Staying overnight in Wellington before taking the ferry, then spending another night in Picton or Blenheim, can reduce the burden of driving after delays and seasickness.
Reality check
According to Interislander’s official foot passenger guidance as of 2026-10-04, arrive at the terminal at least 60 minutes before departure to check in. If your booking confirmation gives an earlier check-in deadline, follow that time. Save the terminal addresses from your booking confirmation for both Wellington and Picton. Bluebridge and Interislander don’t use the same boarding terminal, so don’t navigate by searching only for the city name on a map.
Plan for about 3 hours 30 minutes on an Interislander sailing. Allow at least an hour for foot-passenger check-in, plus time to disembark, collect bags, and travel from the terminal. Keep at least half a day open. Follow the sailing in your booking and the day’s service alerts, and don’t book a long drive or paid activity right after arrival.
Compare passenger, vehicle, cabin, and luggage options alongside booking change terms. Also check any fees for switching rental cars at each end.
If you’re worried about seasickness, check in advance which medication you can take, and follow onboard instructions and access restrictions. Avoid driving at night when tired after a delay.
If plans change
If it’s simply delayed, check with the ferry operator for the new departure time of your existing booking, then adjust your vehicle or tour bookings after arriving in Picton. If the sailing is canceled, follow the operator’s rebooking instructions to secure a place on the next sailing, and extend your stay in Wellington if needed.
Compare vehicle transport fees and one-way rental terms. Pick up separate cars at each terminal and allow extra time, taking the rental offices’ business hours into account.
Small tip
Don’t rely on sailing times saved as permanent information. Follow the booking confirmation for your travel date and the operator’s service alerts on the day.
Final check before departure
- Check the operator, vessel, terminal, and check-in deadline.
- Check vehicle length, luggage requirements, and conditions for carrying pet-related equipment.
- Keep fixed bookings within 3 hours of arriving in Picton off your schedule.
Departure time, vessel, check-in deadline, shuttle, and service status can change. Check the operating company’s live arrivals and departures for the day.
Information checked: 2026-10-03