SERVICE UPDATE
Train Schedules Extended to June 2027. Additional rail schedules are now open for booking through June 2027. Please review operating days and planned maintenance closures when arranging travel.
Operating Days
Operating days are confirmed to 30 November 2026.
Full cancellations – No bus replacements
Operating Schedule
Date Range Service
1 Sep 2025 – 26 Apr 2026 7 days a week
27 Apr 2026 – 30 Aug 2026 Not operating
1 Sep 2026 – 30 Apr 2027 (TBC) 7 days a week
Note: The Coastal Pacific does not operate on Christmas Day.
Operating Periods
Note: The TranzAlpine does not operate on Christmas Day.
Full cancellations – No bus replacements
Onboard Infotainment App
Audio commentary is now delivered through the Great Journeys New Zealand app. Passengers should bring:
Download the free app before travel. Full content becomes available once connected to onboard Wi-Fi.
For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.
Our friendly New Zealand Travel Team is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (New Zealand Time) Monday - Sunday, excluding public holidays.
For assistance and reservations during our opening hours, contact our New Zealand Travel Team by email or phone. To cancel a reservation, please email us at info@newzealandtravelteam.com before 72hrs or 3 days from the travel date.
Phone
You can call one of our English-speaking Consultants at +64 7 575 5049
Current New Zealand time:
Within New Zealand:
Reservations only with payment - 0800-143-669
Travel planning and all other inquiries - +64 7 575 5049
Outside New Zealand:
+61 1800 359 729 Australia Toll-free
+1 855 413 3019 USA Toll-free
+1 866 554 0304 Canada Toll-free
+44 800 0148106 United Kingdom Toll-free
Interislander travels the Cook Strait between the North and South Islands of New Zealand and is one of the most spectacular cruises in the world. The 92 km journey between Wellington and Picton is one of New Zealand's most iconic tourist experiences.
On either side of your Interislander journey are the city of Wellington and the region of Marlborough.
Wellington is the cultural centre and political capital of New Zealand. Cradled within a natural harbour, Wellington offers travellers an abundance of tourist experiences, whether just passing through, or enjoying an extended stay.
Picton is the point of arrival and departure in the Marlborough Sounds for Interislander travellers. Picton is a gateway to the Sounds, its wine growing areas and, further south, to Christchurch and beyond.
Interislander operates two ships, carrying both passengers and their vehicles: Aratere and Kaiarahi.
Both vessels offer the freedom and ease of exploring New Zealand by road. Taking a vehicle on an Interislander ferry is as simple as parking - just drive on and drive off. Nor do passengers with vehicles have any luggage restrictions. Offering up to 11 sailings a day, Interislander passengers also have the convenience of a wide choice of travel times. During your Interislander journey, take a stroll on the decks, enjoy a meal, a drink, or even catch the latest movie release. Or, of course, simply be awed by the breathtaking views.
