Wellington — Local services in North Island

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...

My journey this evening on the 6:30pm Interislander Ferry (Kaiarahi) from Picton to Wellington was nothing short of exceptional, and it's worth highlighting the outstanding service provided by the three young male staff members managing the premium lounge on Level 8.

From the moment I stepped into the premium lounge, their attentiveness and dedication to customer service were immediately apparent. Their warm greetings and genuine enthusiasm set a positive tone for the entire journey. Throughout the trip, they went above and beyond to ensure that every passenger in the premium lounge felt not only comfortable but also valued.

What stood out the most was their proactive approach to anticipating passenger needs. Whether it was offering refreshments, providing information about the journey, or simply checking in to ensure everyone was content, they demonstrated a level of professionalism and courtesy that exceeded my expectations. Their attention to detail truly elevated the overall travel experience.

It's noteworthy that, despite having had consistently incredible experiences with Interislander in the past, this particular interaction with the staff on Level 8 was unparalleled. Their commitment to excellence reflects positively on Interislander as a whole.

I wholeheartedly commend these three individuals for their exceptional service. They are a testament to the high standards that Interislander upholds. For anyone considering a journey between Picton and Wellington, I can confidently say that the premium lounge experience, thanks to these remarkable staff members, is well worth it. This recent trip reaffirmed my trust in Interislander and left me with fond memories of a comfortable and enjoyable ferry journey.

Ngā mihi nui kia...

I had a fall one hour prior to departure in my hotel. I didn't realize but I had broken my leg. My husband and I were in a panic as we had to drop off the Avis car, carry our enormous bags and check in at the Ferry terminal which I physically could not do. My husband went into the packed terminal and asked at the inquiry desk for help. After about five minutes this angel came out to assist Debbie Watson the Customer Service Team Leader. Without further ado she had organized a wheelchair and I was taken to the lounge and she also organized all our bags to be taken on board. I was in serious pain and our thoughts were to get me over to South Island and get to the hospital A&E in Blenheim. I would also like to mention a young lady named Esther who was an absolute star. Another lovely person working in the lounge named Clinton was so attentive and caring. All in all my experience on the Interislander was second to none. I couldn't have wished for a more efficient, charming and caring team of people. My final thanks goes to the gentleman with the buggy on South Island Terminal who drove me to the car park to collect our car, I don't remember his name but he was very reassuring and was quite a character. I hope you all get to read this and accept my most grateful thanks for all of your help on that day. There were other members of your staff who were also absolutely brilliant. Thank you again. I only wish I could have witnessed how beautiful the trip is from...