This was our first experience traveling on a car ferry and it was super smooth. We checked in and waited in our designated lane. When it was time to load, we followed the cars onto the ferry. Once parked, we left our car and headed to the premium lounge. The premium lounge had a hot breakfast, continental breakfast, desserts, and drinks throughout the trip. The chairs, WiFi, and cozy seating areas made travel comfy. We traveled through a major storm and very little rocking was felt. The ride was amazingly smooth. I headed out to the outdoor deck a few times to buck and wind and rain to see the beautiful scenery. Staff was helpful and welcoming. Upon landing, we followed the cars off the boat and headed to our next destination. It was a great way to travel as our luggage was able to stay in the car and we didn't have to deal with it. We did have a rental car, although now you can no longer bring rentals across islands. You need to return and rerent at the destination island. read more

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Love the inter- islander. Such beautiful views of the top is the South Island and bottom of the North Island. Can be hard to get a seat, but still worth it. read more

I had never been on a ferry before and this was definitely an experience. There are designated areas for kids, sleeping quarters for truck drivers, and you can even rent a room with a bed (and crib if needed)! My husband and I sat inside by the windows. It started as a dreary day and I was nervous about rough seas, but it turned into such a beautiful, sunny day! There is a bar on board as well as restaurants and you can move around freely, as well as go outside to take pictures and breathe in the fresh air. Definitely a nice way to travel between islands. They even tag your bags to move on to the train, if that is your next destination. read more

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Definitely has become my go to when I need to cross the straight. My family take the ferry twice a year on board the Kaitaki and we all absolutely love it. The ship's cafes are not as overpriced as you may expect for a ferry and the food is quite good. The viewing deck on top of the ship is quite nice to sit on and includes rows of chairs as it can get quite windy up there. The cabins are also great. Being only $40 and including a bathroom fitted with a shower and toilet, and four bunks (which can fit more if you aren't all sleeping) is perfect for getting away from the hustle and bustle of the ship. Some of the viewing areas have dirty windows but being a busy ship it is understandable. The Interislander also does not flake out with vouchers, with the purchase of a cabin you get 4 complimentary hot drinks which are perfect. On my most recent sailing on the Kaitaki, the swells were quite bad and the crew did an amazing job of helping those who were feeling ill and supplying ice cubes, bags, and all sorts throughout the sailing. Nigel Kennedy, a children's performer, was also doing his usual 'magic' show which gives parents a nice respite and thoroughly entertains kids. The on board movies are also quite reasonably priced and the ship also includes a play area. This may not be the same for the other ferries. Getting into the ferry itself was a breeze, we were given chocolate bars upon check in and were greeted by friendly staff. The wait to get onto the ferry itself was long but there is a coffee shop and toilet station next to the car lanes and before we knew it we were driving on. The staff were quite helpful when it came to parking and driving around the ferry too. All in all, there is no other ferry I would want to be on! read more

Interislander - View from outside deck 7 - Travel Services Near Me - Wellington, WGN

It really depends on which vessel you travel on as to the experience you will have. I did the ride from Wellington to Picton on the evening cruise and the ship I was on was the Kaitaki. It was a beautiful cruise and seriously one of the ferry crossings for scenery. I enjoyed the viewing lounge, though the seats in front of the window are prime space, so the sooner you can snag one, the better! The bathrooms were clean and accessible and the cafeteria was affordable (I did their fish & chips combo) with surprisingly decent food. The crew was very nice as well. I drove on w/a car and they were very good about instructions (it was my first time). On the return trip from Picton to Wellington, I did the 2pm cruise on the Aratika. I did not like the layout of this ship as much and the viewing deck inside was not as enjoyable because the windows were not clear enough to see through. The walking decks were a bit more crowded on the outside as well, so I spent most of the cruise inside. Both the bar and cafeteria eatery were pretty packed, but they had a seafood basket w/fries and a pint special that was OK, but not as good as the fish & chips were. The crew for this cruise were not as good as explaining where to go after parking nor were their directions for parking on the actual ship. A guy had me pull up too close to a pipe and I tried telling him I would not be able to get out and he still insisted I pull up, but of course, I was too close and had to get out and then back in via the passenger side! So, I would definitely recommend the ship and time of the first sailing as it was a much better experience. Also, they are very strict about the check-in time, you have to be there at least 1hr before the departure time if you are bringing your car on. Check-in was surprisingly easy. I made my res online and you are sent a PDF voucher in confirmation email and you can show on your phone at the booth. They give you a dashboard ticket for your car and a passenger ticket for you, which you give to a guy as you board the ship. I was there about 1hr15mins before and the cars began to load just a few mins past the 1hr mark. Besides, the earlier you get there the sooner you get on and off the ferry and the better your chances are for a good seat in the observation lounge. read more

Beautiful way to travel between the two islands. They can take your rental car too. Comfortable accommodations inside and gorgeous views outside on the deck. read more

This was a great ferry experience. It left on time, arrived without incident, and the scenery is gorgeous. That said, it's expensive. The best way to do it is get seats in front of the window, on level 7. read more