Took the car ferry south to north and enjoyed the fairly smooth embarkation and disembarkation...as much as we could being in a queue of hundreds of vehicles! On board, the seats were comfortable, the food reasonably priced and the views terrific. We took our rental vehicle onboard, bur it would also be easy to drop at one side, walk on and pick up a rental on the arrival side. Good service and great scenery.

We booked passage for two (2) seniors on the Kaitaki Ferry from Picton (South Island) to Wellington (North Island) with an upgrade to the Queen Charlotte Lounge at a total cost of $224.93 NZD ($164.93 ferry cost plus $60.00 for Lounge access). Check-in was easy, but the terminal's air conditioning was not working that day, so it was extremely hot while we were waiting to board the ferry. Called one of the most scenic ferry journeys in the world, the Cook Strait ferry crossing is 96 kilometers (52 nautical miles) and takes around three and a half hours. The Queen Charlotte Lounge is located on the Deck 7, towards the front of the ferry and an adults-only space (18 years and older) with comfortable leather recliners. As part of the lounge entry, we received a $15 each food and beverage voucher to use at any of Kaitaki's cafés and bars. Everything was wonderful, except a person in the Queen Charlotte was consistently coughing and was not wearing a mask. We had to move seats, so we didn't have to listen to it.

This trip was excellent - have never taken notice of which ferry we took before, but now that we have had a great experience, we will definitely be choosing the KAITAKI ferry again. It must have had an upgrade because it was in great condition, nice choices of places to sit, more room than we've experienced before, warm and cosy. The staff were friendly, the food choice was ample for the short trip, price not too bad, good place to sit and play cards or read, comfy chairs. The sea was reasonably calm for this trip (not that we should rate this trip due to weather) and it left and arrived in the time stated on the ticket.

We decided to treat ourselves to the Premium Lounge during the ferry crossings on a recent sojourn to the South Island. It wasn’t cheap, but we thought it was worth every cent. We were on the Kaitaki for both crossings. We parked very close to the passenger entry, as I have limited mobility. The staff were so helpful, both at check-in and driving onboard the ship. The staff onboard were very friendly and professional. The food was nice and it was a very relaxing way to spend the three and a half hours journeys There were only about 15 of us in the big lounge each way, it was great. We had a morning sailing Wellington to Picton, and an afternoon sailing Picton to Wellington. We are very glad we paid the extra for the peace and tranquillity. The seating is very comfortable and you have a small table in front of you for meals, spreading stuff out, etc. I would definitely pay the extra $$ to use the Premium Lounge next time we cross Cook Strait.

The staff on the Aratere could not be faulted. Friendly, helpful and professional. Great scones available for only $5 and clean and comfortable seating areas. Thank you.

WOW!!! What a service! Very organised/ on time & helpful. Accessing the terminal is very easy & clear signs everywhere. We got ourselves there early & lined our car up. Once the cars were about to board, our hire cars battery decided to die. We had fast service from the team who jump started our car & got us on the ferry. The lounge areas/ the food / viewing decks were all amazing. Such a beautiful boat trip - which didn’t feel long at all. Once we had to get into our cars, staff checked on us again to make sure our car started. We had such a great experience - thank you.

Picton is one of the prettiest ferry ports in the world, and this added to well run ferry creates an amazing journey. These ferries offer good food, drink seating and run a very smooth sea trip. This journey can be bumping where the Tasman sea hits the pacific, but 90% of the time it’s calm and stunning .

Easy transportation from Picton to Wellington. Plenty of seating and cafe for light fare. Beautiful views but it does get quite cold and windy, so it’s impossible to stay on the outer deck for too long. Checking and claiming bags was a breeze, but you do need to make sure your bag is 50 lbs and under, otherwise a fee will be required. Free transportation to the Wellington train station is provided upon arrival.

Great views from the ferry and worth the money to take the trip. At least one way. There are airports in Blenheim and Queenstown so I would recomend taking the ferry going south and fly out/back from the Southern Island.

We had a 2 week holiday in new zealand. The tickets we bought like about 2 1/2 weeks before arriving. From Wellington to Picton, everything was good so far and the ferry was on time. After 1 beautiful week at the south island, we arrived at picton for the check-in to wellington. There the hole joke from interislander is going to get started.... So they said.... sorry but your ticked got canceled (Ticket was issued for the 12th of March), because your ferry is broken (technical issue). We are not able to serve you until the 16th of march. I asked if this is a bad joke! Sadley no... Then they said, go to the other company (bluebridge) and buy a new ticket, maybe they can bring you and your car more quicker to wellington. Then we asked there... same thing, no tickets until 16th of march. On nearly all questions about what is going to happen with all the booked hotels, the overstay of our rental car, our flight back to europe (flight is on the 15th, so no way we could reacht it), they said.... yeah, sorry we cannot do anything for you. And also the cost, you have to buy everything and give it to your travel insurance (haha best joke ever), they "interislander" are to serve us and they have to find a solution for all of the lost bookings, overstay of the rental car, new flight ect.... They gave us a card, where we can call someone at interislander and ask there for a refund, but they told us at first only a refund is possible for the shipping ticket and all other cost, are at first on your own.... if you get it refunded, no one knows. All together, cost are about 1500 to 3000€ only because they canceled our ticket, and the worst thing, nobody told us anything per e-mail or telephone before. We recogniced it directly at the shelter, where they told us the news. So for all guest who will have a flight ticket shorty after your ferry ticket from the other island, i would devinitely recommend it to you, to have backup plans in mind. I, in a 100 years would not believe if anybody hade told me, that this horror of a situation can happen to you, so keep that in mind. Later i talked to many many loclas in all over the island. They told me, that this horrific situation, that the ferry brakes down and travelers stranded and lost their flights and everything else, happens since 3 years, many many times!!! The prices are about 250 to 450 NZ-Dollars per Car including 2 persons. So for a short trip on the ferry (3hrs 30min) still a lot of money.

It was very windy the day we went Wellington to Picton! You couldn't go outside as you would have been blown awayy! Inside the ship was fine, a bit rocky but that was to be expected. Very quick to get on and off with a vehicle

Arrived by car earlier than our scheduled departure time only to find late comers go on first. Almost last to get car on and then second last car off. So arrive late - less hassle! Crossing was OK, windy day but good scenery. Had a cabin, very old and needs refurbish. Left and arrived basically on time so I suppose that was a win according to some other reviews. Ferry out of use by date I reckon. Wouldn't do it again.

Be prepared for a 400 metre walk followed by a lot of stairs to get on the ship, but if you head for the Premium Lounge, you will not be disappointed. Staff are very pleasant and helpful. A great selection of drinks and snacks. Buffet lunch is simple but good. The three and a half hours passed so quickly.

We booked into the premium lounge on the 1 March 7.30am kaiarahi sailing out of Picton. Can’t say enough great things about the two stewards on duty in this lounge Friendly and helpful. Thank you so much

I’ve always felt well looked after on the Interislander, I’ve had multiple trips on it and my last trip was no exception, always comfortable and enjoyable if it’s a calm crossing but even the rough crossings aren’t too bad. Food on board is quite good but also quite expensive so would suggest you eat before hand or take some snacks on board. If you feel like being pampered spend the extra $89 and use the lounge which includes food and comfortable seating