Wellington Interislander Vehicle Check-in — Attraction in North Island

The Interislander is a great way to travel between the N. and S. Islands. It offers excellent value when compared with plane or rail trips. The service is actually 1st-class; it is faultless, professional and on par with other forms of travel. Moreover you have tons of room to stretch your legs, rest or rehydrate at their cafe which is opened for much of the trip. The diner is open once you get into Cook Strait during meal times, and serves better food than what you are offered on flights. They cater to a wide range of taste as evidenced by their menu which includes pasta, rice dishes, roasts and snack foods. On the cold-front you have the option of sandwiches, etc. The catering staff will bend over just to make sure you are well looked after. If you are arriving late in Picton, it might be worth your while to dine on the ferry because there's little advantage in not doing so.

The pièce de résistance is of course the priceless views, on fine days. You can access the bow for this (the stern is off limits) and snuggle close-up to glorious sunsets as you pass through the Marlborough Sounds with its iconic sea-landscapes. Or nap on the lounge seats (if the ferry is not full) like some passengers do. In calm weather you could be forgiven if you thought you were on terra-firma, it's that smooth a-sailing! From booking, checking-in to boarding and disembarking, both ways, it's seamless, pain-free with a welcoming crew to greet or see you off. So what are you waiting for? Rush to go with your clans for a beautiful, leisurely ride and holiday to the North or South Island before the (post-covid) floodgates open for the rest of the world to catch-up with their delayed...

I recently had the pleasure of taking a trip on the Interislander ferry, and I can confidently say that it was a fantastic experience from start to finish.

The level of professionalism and efficiency exhibited by the entire staff was commendable. From the moment I stepped on board, I was met with warm and welcoming smiles, and the crew members were always on hand to assist with any questions or concerns. It's evident that they take great pride in providing top-notch customer service, which made the journey all the more enjoyable.

The facilities on the ferry were superb - clean, spacious, and well-maintained. The onboard amenities exceeded my expectations, offering a variety of dining options, comfortable seating areas, and stunning views of the surrounding scenery. The entire ship exudes a feeling of comfort and relaxation, making it easy to sit back and truly enjoy the voyage.

Speaking of the journey, the breathtaking views of the coastline and the picturesque landscapes made for a truly memorable experience. The Interislander ferry provided a unique vantage point to take in the natural beauty of New Zealand, and I found myself constantly in awe of the stunning sights along the way.

Overall, my experience with the Interislander ferry was nothing short of excellent. I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable mode of transportation between the North and South Islands. The level of service, combined with the comfort and scenic beauty, truly sets the Interislander apart. I will undoubtedly choose this ferry for my future travels and urge others to do the same. Well done, Interislander - you have certainly earned my praise...

Have led groups of British tourists across from wellington to Picton for several years using Interislander Ferry service.

Every year the journey is becoming more and more intolerable.

Come the school holidays the ferry is over run with over excited school children high on sugar running around the ferry like its the first day they have ever been allowed out to play.

School groups are allocated separate reserved seating areas - but inevitably they spread over the boat like a virus occupying virtually the entire ships public seating areas leaving little space for the rest of the passengers.

Signs clearly indicate that running should be avoided at all costs - yet these wild untamed children run up and down and around the boat like they are taking part in a 10 k marathon.

Staff struggle to manage and control the children as the teachers and companions are far more concerned with updating Facebook and checking unsocial media to actually bother to control and manage their charges.

What was once one of the most beautiful ferry journeys in the world has quickly turned into 3.5 hours of enduring screaming children - god help you if it’s a choppy crossing - you then have the fun of 400 children pumped full of sugar puking all over the boat followed by tears and tantrums. Fly if you can, swim if no alternative. Get me off this ferry...