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Revenue managementDynamic pricingChannel managementOTA managementBooking.com managementListing optimizationVacation rental marketingThree hours of scenic views — travel between the North and South Islands with options for vehicle transport or on foot.
This three-hour ferry ride connects Picton on the South Island and Wellington on the North Island, showcasing the picturesque Marlborough Sounds and Wellington Harbour. The Interislander ferry operates daily throughout the year, accommodating both passengers with vehicles and those traveling on foot.
Onboard, enjoy comfortable seating and the chance to sample local food and beverages as you take in the ever-changing coastal landscapes. Wildlife spotting can add to the journey, so keep an eye out for marine life. Standard ferry services run regularly, making it a convenient option for travellers looking to explore both islands of New Zealand.
Reviews
The ferry crossing was enjoyable, and it's recommended to reserve a spot to guarantee your place. The crew was organized, and there was a nice variety of food and drinks available on board.
Beautiful scenery and very calming. If you're planning to order from the restaurant, make sure to arrive early; otherwise, your options may be limited.
The windows could use a cleaning, and updating the furniture along with providing USB/C/plug charging ports would be helpful. However, the company can't control the weather or sea conditions. The food and café choices were adequate.
The ferry itself was quite nice and the staff helpful. However, the logistics were poorly handled. We had to check in two hours early for a three-hour trip, following a five-hour delay. Disembarking in Wellington was also frustrating, as the passenger ramp was closed, forcing us to leave via the car ramp after all the vehicles had exited. After finally getting off, we waited another half hour for our checked bags. Once we retrieved them, the ferry terminal had limited options for taxis and Ubers. If you don’t have a car or camper van, consider flying instead. This ended up wasting an entire day of our vacation.
The walk to the boarding area was quite lengthy, especially for those in their 60s carrying backpacks. Collecting luggage was also a hassle. We didn't arrive in Wellington on time, which left us limited for checking into our hotel and grabbing some food before bed. This was not our plan.
I made a booking months in advance, but the Interislander cancelled the night before due to technical issues. They rebooked me on a much later ferry, but I found that all their sailings were sold out for days. This situation felt like a significant problem that would be difficult and costly to resolve. After reaching out to Bluebridge Ferry, I learned they were full but could add me to their standby list. Thankfully, they were able to accommodate us on a Bluebridge ferry the following day as the last car. The Bluebridge ferry itself was quite pleasant. However, the last-minute fee I incurred with Bluebridge was more expensive than my original Interislander fare, and I have requested a refund for the difference, but I have not received a response from Interislander.
The trip from South to North was fantastic. It was simple to navigate and find parking, and the boat was clean and comfortable inside. There was plenty of food and drinks offered.
The facilities were clean and nice, with good food. It was a relaxing and beautiful experience. We enjoyed a late lunch, played cards, and took in the lovely view.
The scenery was naturally stunning, especially on a lovely sunny day. However, I felt let down that not all services on the ship were operational. The bar was closed, and some lounge areas were inaccessible without a clear reason. Many passengers brought their own food and drinks, which made sense given the limited menu and high prices.
I bought tickets for the premium lounge expecting an upgraded experience, but it didn't meet my expectations. While the seats were comfy and breakfast was nice initially, it was cleared away quickly. The included alcoholic drinks were in a locked cupboard and needed an attendant to access, but she was often absent during the trip. Overall, it wasn’t worth the price paid, and I would opt for a standard ticket if I traveled with Interislander again. Our return trip with a competitor was a far superior experience.
Reviews are paraphrased traveller feedback sourced from Viator. Original ratings and sentiment preserved.
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