Kaitaki
Operated by Interislander
Kaitaki
Operated by Interislander
Operated by Interislander on the Picton Wellington route
The Kaitaki is the largest vessel not only in the Interislander fleet but on also New Zealand waters. The ship carries 1,650 passengers and has 1,780 lane metres for vehicles. This sumptuous sailing service has cabin options, so you can kick back and relax or even get some shuteye while on your voyage. If you upgrade to Kaitaki Plus you have the added bonus of extra luxurious seating, Sky TV and complimentary food and drink, amongst other perks. If you haven’t upgraded there is still a high quality service on offer. There are a number of choices of where to eat and drink, from eating with an ocean view to classic café meals. There are amusements for both young and old, with the onboard Movie Theatre and Children’s Play areas. Shopping facilities are available along with a Bureau de Change. There is also free WiFi for all passengers.
Cabins are available for you to lie back and relax during your voyage. The cabins are four berth and all come with en suite facilities. The rooms are fully serviced with towels, linen and soap for you to stay refreshed. Included in the price are two vouchers for complimentary hot beverages and also board games and other forms of entertainment to help you and your family while away the hours during your crossing. Kaitaki Plus offers another luxurious and comfortable option when travelling between the New Zealand islands. Your ticket gives you exclusive access to comfortable seating, Sky TV, newspapers and magazines as well as complimentary food and drink. This includes a cooked breakfast or hot lunch depending on your time of sailing.
A number of eateries and bars are at your disposal during your crossing. The café on Deck 7 serves a wide range of authentic food, including cakes, pastries, sandwiches and paninis. The coffee counter offers delicious barista made drinks, including espresso, cappuccino, latte, flat white and the usual favourites. On Deck 8 you’ll find the Ocean View Eatery, where you’ll be able to sample a delightful selection of snacks and meals whilst overlooking the crystalline waters. Also on the same level is the Local Heroes Bar and Café. This is where you can enjoy local wines, beers and spirits as well as your normal café culinary delights.
A great range of products are on sale aboard the Kaitaki. The shop is stocked with souvenirs, newspapers and magazines, sweets and postcards and stamps. You can also get your hands on cinema tickets for the latest movie releases being shown in the theatre on Deck 2.
There are a number of additions that will help you enjoy your journey. The Movie Theatre shows the latest movie releases, with showings suitable for all ages. Local bands and performers are often used onboard, including magicians and clowns for younger passengers. A Bureau de Change is available for any passengers who need to exchange some last minute currency and free WiFi so you don’t have to fall behind on work or lose contact with friends and family.
Young passengers will not get bored on their voyage with a variety of options to suit all ages. The Family Lounge is equipped with a preschool play area and Disney Playhouse Channel showing on television screens. On Deck 2 there is a bigger play area for slightly older children where they can climb, slide, run around and burn off energy. Families also have the option to use the nurseries in the four cabins that include cots and changing facilities, ideal if you are travelling with babies and infants.
The Kaitaki is the biggest and most accommodating ship in the Interislander fleet. Despite amenities being spread over a number of decks most are easily accessible. There are two lifts between Decks 3 and 5, and Decks 7 and 8. The roof viewing area is only accessible by stairs but all major facilities are available.
Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Kaitaki guide as accurate as possible, onboard facilities, services and entertainment may vary depending on the date and time of year that you travel, facilities mentioned may change without notification and ferry companies reserve the right to operate vessels other than those mentioned at time of booking without prior notification.
out of 5
95% of our customers recommended this ship
"Crossing Wellington - Picton"
Perfekte Organisation, Logistik und Abwicklung
"Très belle traversée "
Traversée très agréable avec une parfaite organisation
"Unbelievable"
Unacceptable: last-minute changes: our 8:45 am ferrry was moved forward to... 2:00am. We got informed. But it moved then again to 6:00am and we didn't know it ! So we showed up at 1:00am. Short night !
"Crossing to Wellington "
Prompt check in and boarding, ship was stable despite rough seas. Two areas could have been better 1. Board cars earlier. Boarding foot passengers first leaves those who have paid more scrambling to get late seats available. 2. Speed up disembarkment. We sat in our cars for over 25 minutes.
"From Picton to Wellington!"
A very smooth, pleasant journey. Gave us time to relax between our adventures.
"Wellington to Picton Ferry"
Once on board a pleasant comfortable trip.
"Excellent trip "
Crossing easy and comfortable. Queue for snacks and coffee was a little long( over15 minutes) but not a problem. Weather was superb so most of trip was spent on deck.
"All good except - "
All good except one of the suitcase handles was damaged during transit. Not sure how to claim compensation?
"The best"
Everyone was very helpful and friendly.
"Ferry Crossing: Wellington - Picton"
A very good crossing, lovely facilities and an organised process
"Good. Sail, poor service"
Our sailing was very good But Direct Ferries were not helpful in arranging our refund.
"An excellent experience"
We travelled on the Interislander on Monday 3rd February and what an experience it was. The amenities were excellent and the catering was first class. We have given all aspects of the journey 5 stars and highly recommend to others to use thye Interislander service.
"A pleasant crossing"
The first ferry out on a Monday morning the ferry was extremely busy but we had a comfortable crossing and the staff worked extremely hard and were very pleasant"ant.
"Smooth Crossing "
Straight forward check in and easy boarding. Food vouchers supplied from Direct Ferries were much appreciated. Crossing was smooth and on time. A little bit of a wait to disembark but once moving it was done quickly.
"fantastic trip"
Fabulous service sailing from Picton to Wellington. Quick on boarding and utilised the lounge facility which was superb. Relaxing seats, great food and drink options. Staff were very attentive and polite. Fantastic service - thanks
"A very pleasant journey with Interislander ferry "
Everything was very easy from check in to check out. The staff was very helpful and the ferry was clean and well maintained. The food and drinks in the lounge were perfect. We were so lucky to be upgraded. Thanks a lot Hanne and Rudolph
"Easy trip"
Very pleasant crossing from Windy Welly to Picton. Appreciated the Premium Lounge facilities.
"Great staff, great service"
What a pleasure to be looked after so well by all the staff on the Kaitaki - from all the loading team to the people on board everyone was delightful - thank you to everyone.
"Ferry to Picton"
Surprised and delighted to be informed that we were able to use the facilities in the plus lounge. This was totally unexpected. This ferry crossing is always spectacular in good weather and the addition of the plus lounge made it even better.
"Interislander ferry journey "
From going through initial book in through to disembarking, the whole experience was made very easy. On board everyone was brilliant to not only ourselves but everyone else I saw them dealing with
"South to North Island trip"
The check-in process was quick and easy. Our booking (made through Direct Ferries) included the Plus Lounge, which included a free selection of drinks and food. The crossing was smooth and there were plenty of viewing areas to take in the scenery.
"Superb crossing "
We had a wonderful crossing from Wellington to Picton yesterday. The terminal was well sign posted, the check in process was simple and efficient and boarding was well organised. It was a warm, sunny day so the scenery was spectacular. The staff on board were friendly and helpful and the food and drink was excellent and very reasonably priced. All in all a great experience.
"Excellent service on Wellington to Picton crossing "
Faultless from booking to disembarking at Picton
"Great crossing efficient, enjoyable and beautiful scenery."
Everything was good. Easy check-in, comfy lounge with free food and drink. Very smooth crossing on a windy day and friendly staff. Great value for money.
"Trip to Wellington"
Efficient service and the Premier Lounge is excellent value great choice of food.
"Bad Timing"
I took the ferry from Wellington to Picton and back again. Both were late leaving, the Picton ferry at 10.45am on 6th February left at 12.15pm! Staff and crew were very good, but Picton ferry very crowded. The whole journey took so long, very disappointed.
"Brilliant Experience "
We left Wellington overcast, with low cloud and a stiff westerly and arrived at a sunny and clear Picton. The trip was faultless and made interstingby the strong winds, which whipped sray all over the viewing decks. The sail through the surrounding islands was beautiful. Getting vouchers for free food was a bonus
"Lovely trip"
Lovely smooth crossing and fantastic views once deck 10 opened for us to enjoy
"Calm & beautiful "
A wonderful experience (my 3rd) travelling through the incredibly beautiful Queen Charlotte Sound to Wellington. The crossing was calm so we were very fortunate and sat outside for most of the journey.
"Seemless"
From booking in to leaving the ship it was seemless. Very experienced staff always willing to help. Well done
"Excellent "
I was extremely impressed with the service, particularly since my friends and I had been given an upgrade. The experience was excellent and would certainly use this service again.
"Travelling to and from South Island"
My wife and I travelled to South Island on the Kaitaki and back on the Aratere. Both journeys were excellent and the plus lounge well worth the extra cost. We would certainly use this service again.
"Quality trip"
I really enjoyed our trip across to the South island, we were in the plus lounge which meant that there were no children so no added noise or fuss. The food was delicious and plentiful and staff were friendly and helpful.
"DO NOT BOOK WITH DIRECT FERRIES"
The ship was fine but directferries will con you out of money by promising you extras that will not come to fruition. Just book directly through Insterislander/whoever you want to travel with.
"Smooth crossing"
I booked my tickets through Direct Ferries, quite a while before our trip. Check in at the terminal in Wellington was well organised, despite there being a lot of people travelling, our luggage was taken, leaving us with only carry on bags. I had somehow managed to book premium plus, which entitled us to sit in a private lounge with comfortable chairs and an unlimited supply of food and drinks for the duration of the trip. A hot breakfast was followed by morning tea/coffee, scones and cream and cakes. The staff were polite and cheerful. There were facilities on the ship for families, a cinema showing Frozen 2 and other places to buy food and drinks. Leaving the ship at Picton was a smooth, well organised exercise, collecting the luggage was problem free despite the amount of people in a relatively small space. Would definitely travel with this company again.
"Fantastic voyage"
Easy check in and delighted to be upgraded to Premium Plus. Smooth journey and beautiful scenery. Super friendly and efficient staff on deck 7. Food and drinks were fantastic. Perfect start to the second leg of our NZ trip.
"Good experience "
Thank you for the free vouchers you gave me, I really appreciate it, expecially lounge experience in the way back. It was alsom.
"Superb"
Everything went smoothly, the food and lounge were great. Very enjoyed the trip. Better than air travel by miles
"Free upgrade"
Brilliant trip. Free upgrade to premier lounge with booking via direct ferries. Delicious food and amazing service.
"Superb service"
Booked direct and found out when we checked we got all food and drinks included in the Plus Lounge. Very well looked after by friendly staff.
"Very nice ferry"
Check in was professional, shipping was quick. Lounches were good, quality of the food was good and the staff was very friendly
"exellent"
excellent crossing with great service
"Amazing Service"
Despite the crowds of people needing to board at Wellington this was all done with ease and efficiency with an escalator to take us directly to Deck 7. We had a surprise when we were led to the Plus Lounge which was comfortable and exclusive with fabulous food for Breakfast and Morning Tea. The staff in the Lounge were so welcoming and offered the most amazing service unlike anything we have ever experienced on a ferry. 10/10 for everything. Well done Interislander.
"Interisland, Wellington to Picton January 2020"
Loading was efficient considering over 1000 passengers. We were given wrist bands which we were not expecting, only to be told “Oh those are for the premium plus lounge, definitely want to go there, everything is inclusive”. Sure enough, full cooked breakfast available, and later morning tea including muffins and cheese board. Oh yes, and no children allowed. Crossing was smooth and scenic. Crew were helpful. All in all excellent trip.
"Well worth the extra"
Paid for the separate sectioned off club room. Lunch and tea provided as well as drinks and snacks. Very helpful staff. Good experience overall.
"Great trip!"
We were delighted to discover on both our trips that we had food vouchers and then an upgrade to the Premium lounge. It made for a very pleasant trip.
"trip Wellington to Picton"
Great experience! recommend premium lounge great food great crew ,also fantastic views of the coastline
"Excellent service "
Very good service no problems at all would recommend to anyone.
"Another restful journey through The Sounds "
My son and I enjoyed being bumped up to the plus lounge in December - great service, great meals and a comfortable ride over to Picton - I was very happy returning to Wellington to be in the plus lounge again. Great service, nice lunch and a chat with some NZer’s. All good!
"Good crossing"
The ferry departed and arrived on time. Services on board were good. Weather was good so it was a smooth crossing. There was a long delay between docking and driving off the ferry - 45 minutes. We suspect this was due to a mechanical problem with the deck 5 car ramp so is probably unusual.
"Perfectly fine trip"
Everything was well organised and smooth. Helpful staff. I got upgraded (randomly?) to a premium lounge with nice drinks and food. Bonus! Just a couple of tiny niggles with this (don’t want to be unappreciative)... Firstly, staff tried to show us to a seat which they found difficult as some passengers were laid-out asleep over multiple seats. Secondly the air con was a bit fierce considering it wasn’t a hot day at all. Overall our journey was excellent and we liked the smoothness of the whole thing. Cheers.
"Great expetience"
From the moment we arrived at the terminal to the tome we collected our bags I was very impressed with the quality of service
"Good service"
Walked on as foot passengers in Wellington with suitcases. Check in was really easy and staff were helpful. Glad that theoutside decks were open for us to sit in the fresh air. Coffees on board were nice. Food from the dining area was ok though quite basic.
"Fantastic trip"
For a wet and windy day, the journey could have been rougher but once into the Marlborough Sounds, it was much calmer and afforded incredible views. We were unexpectedly upgraded to the Plus Lounge which was a welcome benefit. Staff from Direct Ferries were brilliant when we had to add an additional passenger and in turn, change the timing of our vessel crossing. They couldn’t have done more to help us.
"Picton Ferry"
Quick checkin and guide to boarding ship. Was in plus section for was good and plenty of it
"A totally refreshing ferry company "
Would recommend, the staff were second to none
"Excellent ferry trip"
Great cruise,..... Most comfortable and enjoyable. Will definitely do it again
"Great ferry"
The ferry trip was very nice. The seating was comfortable. The breakfast looked great. We appreciated the vouchers for food on the ferry!
"WHAT a cruise!"
Well, even if you don't get off the other side, this crossing is worth every dollar for the ride! Absolutely as easy as pie to book, with courteous check-in and efficient bag handling. We were lucky enough to be in the Premier Lounge where the staff were the best we have ever experienced in the hospitality scenario. There was a huge choice of different styles of breakfast on entry, with continuous replenishments and non-stop coffee/tea etc. There was then morning coffee and cakes which were delicious. The staff, in particular Morwenna Lee and Faa, deserve real praise for their professional, courteous service, and for taking time to showcase their wines and beers. They are a real credit to your company. All in all, a most pleasant experience, especially considering we sailed in a 40 knot wind! Cannot thank you enough...
"Great crossing"
A great service between Wellington and Picton, had access to the lounge so got free breakfast and morning snacks which were very tasty. Would recommend, staff friendly and professional.
"New Zealand tour"
Very good service
"Plus lounge"
An absolute must. Food delightful, staff courteous and general hospitality wonderful
"North to South"
.
"Book the premier lounge, it's worth every penny"
An uneventful crossing from north to south island. Really glad we were in the lounge as a gazillion schoolchildren were EVERYWHERE else on the boat. Lots of food & soft drinks every hour (ish) Bit like being a hobbit we had breakfast, 2nd breakfast & elevensies (08:45 sailing(. The upside of this was that once we disembarked we could be on our way ASAP
"Fantastic service "
A wonderful experience
"A lovely trip"
An integral part of our holiday - trip between North & South Island was not just a connection ... a very enjoyable voyage. We were lucky with the weather, which meant that we could sit outside (after a good NZ breakfast!) and appreciate the views of both islands from the Cook Strait. And entering the sounds and inlets approaching Picton was a great experience. Embarkation and disembarkation was painless and quick, too.
"Happy passangers"
Booked in advance on line. Simple and easy with immediate booking confirmation and details of what to do. Helpful staff at ferry quay providing boarding tickets and storing luggage. (We went to Christchurch on the south coastal Pacific train and luggage was automatically transferred from ferry to train leaving us time to look around/have a snack at Picton without luggage concern.) An added surprise on the ferry was that we had unbeknowingly booked premium lounge. I would recommend this crossing pass be booked as you can have breakfast and light snack. A bonus when starting off early. Comfortable journey and pleasant, helpful staff.
"Good service allround"
Really happy with the service, left on time ,arrived ed on time ,and there couldn't have been more helpful. Would definitely use them or recommend them . Ok we had good weather but overall great service
"Refund of $$$ "
The ride was good . We need the appropriate refund of $$ as our hertz rental car wasn’t allow to enter the ferry . I had written an email , pending for your reply please .
"Interislander"
I thoroughly enjoyed my time onboard the Interislander from Wellington to Picton and return with my car. Everything went smoothly (even the water) and I was able to relax and enjoy the Kaitaki Plus Lounge
"Fab crossing"
Well impressed with whole experience from check-in to arrival, only problem was actually finding the terminal from City centre as very poor signage
"Best ferry crossing in the world"
I had a fantastic experience on the Wellington to Picton ferry and back. WiFi on board, the plus lounge was fantastic with great food and wine. The scenery was stunning and journey time was as predicted.
"Beautiful journey with great connections "
I travelled from Wellington to Picton on the ferry. I arrived at the terminal at 8am for the 9am departure, which seemed perfect, although there were a lot of people already there. I misguidedly headed straight to the top deck (it quickly got windy and cold) but should have gone for a window seat at the front of the ferry on level 7 or 8, as these offer the best view in comfort. There’s not so much to see at the beginning of the journey, but the second half is stunning. Checking in and collecting luggage is very efficient. The connections at Picton are really convenient for buses, the train and hire cars.
"Excellent premier lounge staff "
The staff were welcoming, generous and made sure we were looked after. They were attentive and went out of their way to cater for my dietary requirements. Excellent service.
"Very good "
Wellington to Picton everything excellent
"Pleasant crossing"
This was a good experience from beginning to end. The check in simple and well organised and the staff helpful. The ship was clean and comfortable and food was not as overpriced as you sometimes find. Disembarking was civilised and orderly under the guidance of staff and luggage collection was faster than expected. All in all this was a pleasant part of our holiday in New Zealand
"Ferry experience"
All staff were very friendly and professional. We were given a food voucher for journey which went a long way in purchasing coffee and lunch as well as snacks for our journey. My husband ate fish and chips which were delicious and I had vegetarian lasagne with a lovely salad, so happy there was catering for vegetarians. The trip was a dream crossing, sun was shining and seas were calm. Getting on and off with car was very smooth and trouble free.
"Great journey, but the food was tricky "
Everything was fine, except that I got food poisoning from a sandwich purchased on board. :(
"Great crossing"
Despite strong northerly winds we had a great crossing. Excellent food and service in Premium Lounge. Well worth the extra cost.
"Pleasant crossing, friendly staff, good food"
We selected the premium cabin experience w/breakfast & lunch. The food was good and the lounge relaxing and quiet. If we had only one comment about the premium lounge is it is tucked away on one side of the ship, with very limited views. If you wanted to see anything, you had to leave the lounge. Other ferries, this lounge occupies a portion of the front, with excellent views. We noted that the furnishings and catering facilities in the carriage sections were excellent, and the views far more extensive.
"Helpful & full information"
The ship had everything you needed. All went smoothly and as advertised. Plenty of helpful pre-sailing information to help plan the trip. Loved seeing the dolphins swimming alongside.
"A very enjoyable experience"
The ship provided everything I was expecting - it was comfortable and reliable
"Fabulous crossing on InterIslander"
What a brilliant way to travel from north to South Island. The ship is really well equipped and the facilities are outstanding. A real pleasure and unmissable part of the holiday.
"Crossing"
A very pleasant crossing, staff very informative. Premium club lounge was amazing. Would do it again.
"The trip"
It was a brilliant crossing,and the premier club lounge was fantastic. Well done everyone concerned.
"SUPERB SAILING ON A MODERN COMFORTABLE FERRY"
Our trip was perfect in every way--easy to book online, easy to embark/disembark with our vehicle. The ship was very clean and comfortable, and all staff were extremely courteous and helpful Will definitely use Interislander again--its a 5 star service
"Great scenic trip"
Welcoming staff. Comfortable seating areas and excellent views from the top deck or deck 7. Cafe with good range of drinks and tempting eats. Lovely scenic views, highly recommended.
"Rough!"
Rough weather when onboard nyt the personnel was smiling, brought paper bags and ice cubes to us travelling and smiled again. Great service!
"Travel by car"
Perfectly good service. Left on time and had good facilities.
"The most beautiful ferry crossing ever!"
We were lucky with the weather, meaning we had stunning views as we crossed from Wellington to Picton. The ferry was clean and the food and drink was reasonably priced.
"Easy organised trip"
A well organised system for us and a car. Plenty of seating on board and set off right on time, arrived in Picton exactly when we were suppose to. Would sail with them again!
"Stormy crossing"
After a day's delay due to the cyclone that hit the straits on Tuesday resulting in the cancellation of our sailing when it sleeted in Picton, we finally heard that a sailing was to be attempted at 15.15hrs and we left in beautiful sunshine in sheltered waters but were advised that the sell in the straits was in excess of 5 metres. We chanced it and the captain was able to minimise discomfort to a degree although only a handful of us were unscathed from sea sickness. Thank heavens for 'Sea Legs' tablets. We managed to get ashore after difficulty docking due to the high winds at about 21.00hrs and pleased that the ship had made it. The staff on board were very attentive throughout seeing to those feeling the effects of sea sickness. Otherwise an interesting experience.
"Straight Forward & Simple"
We turned up very early for our crossing, no problem. We had some large, and carry on luggage, checked in, no problem. Being friendly at check-in, no problem. Room on board, you've guessed it. Embarking and disembarking, easy as. All in all it did what we wanted, plus you get some nice views, weather permitting, and on a quiet day like ours no swell.
"Excellent crossing"
The weather promised to make the crossing a challenge, however it proved to be a very smooth and enjoyable trip. The onboard catering was good. Embarkation and disembarkation was handled well.
"Well it was like a mill pond "
As as I said it was like a mill pond and this has definitely coloured my view point . Good food not too expensive and comfortable seating
"Interislander needs to install covered access at Picton"
The focus of my review is bad experience my wife and I had while boarding at Picton. There was lashing rain but no cover between the terminal and getting on board, which has to be done via the car deck. This meant we spent much of the crossing trying to dry out. Interislander --- how long have you been operating this service without bothering to address this customer service issue?
"Dolphins and smooth sailing"
Absolutely loved the ferry crossing. Beautiful sunny days, great views and dolphins swiimiming alongside. It was a holiday treat more than ferry crossing
"Ferry across Cook Straits"
Good crossing
"efficace"
Prise en charge terriblement efficace. Tout est fait pour que le transport soit facilité.
