Wellington Ferries

The port of Wellington plays a key role in the ferry network of New Zealand, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by 2 ferry companies, Wellington serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Wellington, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include - connecting Wellington with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as Interislander, Bluebridge run regular services from Wellington, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Wellington offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Wellington is well-connected by road, with State Highway 1 and 2 providing access from other North Island destinations. Travelers from the South Island can take the Interislander or Bluebridge ferry services from Picton, with sailings taking approximately 3.5 hours across the stunning Cook Strait. The city is served by regular intercity buses and the Northern Explorer train from Auckland (11 hours). Wellington International Airport is just 15 minutes from the ferry terminal with shuttle services available. For those arriving by car, several parking options exist near the ferry terminal, with both short-term and long-term facilities available.

Nestled between rolling hills and a stunning natural harbor, Wellington stands as New Zealand's compact and creative capital city. The city blends sophisticated urban culture with spectacular natural scenery, creating an unforgettable destination for ferry travelers. As you arrive by sea, Wellington's colorful hillside homes and distinctive waterfront welcome you to a city known for its innovative cuisine, thriving arts scene, and friendly locals.

Wellington enjoys a temperate marine climate with mild temperatures year-round, though it's famously windy throughout the year. The summer months (December to February) offer the warmest conditions with temperatures averaging 16-20°C, perfect for exploring the city's outdoor attractions and harbor activities. Autumn (March to May) brings stunning colors and fewer tourists, making it ideal for a more relaxed visit. Winter (June to August) can be cool and rainy but offers vibrant indoor cultural events like the New Zealand International Film Festival. Ferry services operate year-round but may have reduced schedules during winter months, with more frequent sailings during the busy summer tourist season.

Wellington serves as an excellent jumping-off point for exploring New Zealand's diverse landscapes. The scenic ferry journey across Cook Strait connects you to Picton and the stunning Marlborough Sounds, where azure waters and forest-clad hills create a paradise for nature lovers (3.5 hours). From Picton, the renowned wine region of Marlborough is just a short drive away. Adventurous travelers can continue to Nelson and Abel Tasman National Park, known for its golden beaches and clear waters. The entire South Island becomes accessible once you cross from Wellington, opening up possibilities from the dramatic Southern Alps to the fiords of Milford Sound. The ferry journey itself is considered one of the most beautiful in the world, passing through the magnificent Marlborough Sounds.

Wellington packs an impressive array of attractions into its compact cityscape. The award-winning Te Papa Tongarewa national museum offers an immersive journey through New Zealand's natural and cultural heritage, with its standout Gallipoli exhibition. Take the historic Wellington Cable Car for panoramic harbor views before exploring the beautiful Botanic Gardens. The city's reputation as New Zealand's culinary capital is well-deserved, Cuba Street and the waterfront are lined with innovative restaurants and cafés serving world-class coffee. For film buffs, Weta Workshop tours provide a behind-the-scenes look at props and effects from major productions like The Lord of the Rings. The vibrant waterfront precinct, just steps from the ferry terminal, offers galleries, markets, and scenic promenades.

Wellington has more cafés and restaurants per capita than New York City, fueling its reputation as a foodie paradise. The city is built on an active fault line, with its distinctive hilly landscape shaped by seismic activity over centuries. Wellington's nickname, 'Windy Wellington,' is well-earned, it regularly experiences gale-force winds, and the average wind speed is 29 km/h, making it one of the windiest cities in the world. The iconic Beehive parliament building, one of Wellington's most distinctive landmarks, took 14 years to complete and was initially controversial for its unusual design.