Ferry to New Zealand
14 Ferry crossings from 10 Ports
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
Return Trip
New Zealand

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Ferry to New Zealand

One of New Zealand’s most popular and important routes, the ferry services across the Cook Strait are currently being provided by two different ferry operators, Interislander Ferries and Bluebridge Ferries. Providing 7 sailings a day, there are plenty of ferry services for you to choose from to get you between Wellington and Picton.

As there are so many different ferry services available from New Zealand, ferry times really do vary depending on what route you are taking. Routes lengths can take anything from 25 minutes, such as the ferry to Rangitoto Island, to 2 hours, such as the ferry to Coromandel, to 5 hours, such as the ferry to the Great Barrier Reef. To learn more about your route, please visit the specific route page.

There are currently plenty of ferries available to range of different islands around New Zealand, such as the ever popular ferry to Waiheke Island, which runs up to 49 ferry services a day, and the ferry to Stewart Island, Rangitoto Island, Montutapu Island and the Great Barrier Island. For more information about specific routes, please visit our dedicated routes pages for everything you need to know about these ferries.

Due to the many different ferries that are available throughout New Zealand, there are a variety of ferry fares on offer. Prices can change due to times of year, and what ferry you are taking – please use our helpful fare finder tool to find the best route and price for your journey.

Most popular questions

  • Which ferries travel to New Zealand?

    Ferries to New Zealand:
    • Wellington
    • Picton
    • Waiheke
    • Rangitoto
    • Oban (Stewart Island)
    • Great Barrier (Tryphena)
    • Great Barrier (Port Fitzroy)
  • What is the fastest ferry to New Zealand?

    The fastest ferry crossing to New Zealand is via the Rangitoto to Auckland route, with a crossing time of approximately 25m.
  • What is the cheapest ferry to New Zealand?

    The cheapest ferry to New Zealand is £43 from Waiheke to Auckland. Price exclusive of booking fees.
  • What are the ferry ports in New Zealand?

    New Zealand Ferry Ports:
    • Picton
    • Wellington
    • Auckland
    • Bluff
    • Half Moon Bay (Auckland)
  • Can you take pets on the ferry to New Zealand?

    Yes, you can bring your pets onboard the ferries. Where pets are allowed on the ferries depends on the ferry company. Currently you can bring pets on ferries with
    • Interislander
    • Fullers Ferry
    • Bluebridge
    • Stewart Island Experience
    • Sealink NZ

New Zealand reviews

  • "Comfortable trip to the South Island"

    What a pleasant trip it was. Travelled with my car, boarding process was simple, relaxed and well organised. Journey took around 3 hours and on board we were treated to the New Zealand charm. Scenery is breathtaking so be sure to have your camera ready.

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  • "Great crossing, friendly staff"

    What a pleasant crossing between these 2 islands of the amazing New Zealand. Boarding went well and overall can't complain about the experience on the ferry. Oh and the view... Awesome. Happily recommend to anyone.

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  • "Are we moving yet?"

    I was very early for my ferry crossing and the lady booking the vehicles very kindly put me on an earlier boarding, this was great! I was on board the ferry for over half an hour and lying down, I'd had a long journey prior to boarding the ferry and I thought "I hope we start moving soon!" it seemed like forever after driving for many hours. I got up to look around and found that in fact we had been sailing for almost the entire 30 minutes; I was very impressed. The ship was so calm you just didn't know you were moving!!! And it got away exactly on time :) I headed for the coffee shop and the girl serving was so friendly and the shop was so well stocked with goodies I could have easily spent more time on board. It was a very enjoyable and fast ferry crossing.

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  • "Friendly ferry service from Picton to Wellington"

    Punctual service from Picton to Wellington through the picturesque Queen Charlotte Sound. Friendly and efficient staff in all areas from dock to loading to onboard ship. Cooked breakfast was well prepared and delivered piping hot. Overall good value for money although was more complicated to book from outside of NZ.

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New Zealand Ferry Map and Routes

Onboard the ferries

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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