Picton Ferry

About Picton ferry port

Picton port connects New Zealand’s South Island with the North Island. Two ferry operators, Interislander and Bluebridge, offer regular services to and from Wellington. There are around 7 daily and 42 weekly sailings operating out of Picton port. 

There are two separate terminals for each operator with the Interislander terminal located on Auckland Street and the Bluebridge terminal on Lagoon Road, both just a short distance from each other.

Picton port location

Picton ferry port is located in Picton, a beautiful town on the north coast of New Zealand’s incredible South Island. Although both terminals are located just a short walk from the centre of Picton, the Interislander terminal is situated at Auckland Street whilst the Bluebridge terminal is located on Lagoon Road.

Getting to Picton port

If you’re coming from Picton, both terminals are just a short walk from the centre of the town. 

Interislander terminal: 

• By car: If you’re arriving by car, follow the State Highway 1 into Picton and then turn left onto Kent Street until you reach Lagoon Road. The vehicle check-in is then on your right after the NPD Picton Fuelstop. 
• By foot: If you’re already in Picton and arriving by foot, just follow the blue line from the bottom of Picton’s main street. Go past the i-SITE and continue until you reach the terminal. 
• By train: There is also a train station in the centre of the town, connecting Picton to various destinations. 
• By bus: If you’re arriving by bus, there’s a bus stop located at the Interislander terminal.

Bluebridge terminal:

• By car: If you’re arriving by car, follow the State Highway 1 into Picton and then turn left onto Kent Street. Continue until just past the roundabout. The Bluebridge terminal will then be on your left. 
• By shuttle: Bluebridge offer a shuttle bus service for foot passengers. It operates from a range of destinations around Picton town including the i-SITE. 
• By bus: If you’re arriving from elsewhere, there are also buses connecting Picton with destinations such as Blenheim, Nelson and Christchurch. You can then get the shuttle bus to the terminal.

Arriving at Picton port

Once you’ve arrived at Picton port, just follow the signs and staff instructions on where to go. Foot passengers will either be required to walk to the terminal or take a short bus. 

If you’re a foot passenger and are arriving with a service operated by Bluebridge, you can use the complimentary shuttle service to take you to the centre of Picton. Alternatively, the centre is just a short walk away from the terminal.

Picton port: services, amenities and more

Amenities

You’ll find a range of amenities at Picton port such as toilets, seating, car rental kiosks and snack and coffee machines. At the Bluebridge terminal, you’ll find amenities including a children’s playground and dog-friendly outdoor areas too. Due to the port’s central location, you can also find many more amenities just a few minutes’ walk from the terminal.

Parking

You can park at Port Marlborough for free for up to 60 minutes. Long-term parking is also available. There is a Pay and Display car park opposite the terminal, with prices starting from $1.

Accessibility

Interislander:

• Assistance can be provided at the ferry port. Just let the staff know at check in if you require any help. If you're travelling in a vehicle, they will supply a tag to hang from your rear view mirror to ensure that you are directed to park next to a lift.

Bluebridge:

• Assistance can be provided on request. Make sure you let the staff know at check in so you can park as close to the passenger area as possible.

Pets

Pets are allowed at both terminals.

Luggage

Luggage storage facilities are not available at Picton port.

Useful information

Picton port address

Bluebridge Terminal: 
Bluebridge Terminal,
1 Lagoon Road, 
Picton, 
7250 

Interislander Terminal: 
Interislander Terminal, 
Auckland Street, 
Picton 7281

Visiting Picton

Picton offers the perfect introduction to New Zealand’s stunning South Island. Perched on the north coast, this picture-perfect port town is surrounded by incredible landscapes comprising of lush green hills and river valleys. It's a gateway to some of the region's top attractions, with places like Marlborough Sounds and the Marlborough wine region just a stone’s throw from the town. In Picton itself though, there’s plenty to keep you busy. Witness one of the world’s oldest surviving ships at the Edwin Fox Maritime Museum and learn about the area’s history at the Picton Heritage & Whaling Museum. You can also relax on the beach or stroll along the seafront, soaking up the beautiful views and stopping for food at one of the town’s delicious restaurants.

The surrounding area

With so many exciting attractions right on its doorstep, Picton is the perfect base for exploring the surrounding region. You can’t miss a trip to Marlborough Sounds where you can cruise or kayak through breathtaking landscapes, spotting dolphins on the way. The Queen Charlotte Track is another way to experience the region’s stunning vistas. This 70km trail is perfect for hiking or cycling with beautiful views across Queen Charlotte Sound and Kenepura Sound. The Marlborough Wine Region is also located not far from Picton, with many tours available where you can sample the region’s world-famous Sauvignon Blanc. From Picton, you can also go on to explore many other destinations in New Zealand’s South Island. The stunning city of Nelson and Kaikōura, known for its whale-watching, are around 2 hours drive away.