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.
100% of our customers recommended this ship
"From Picton to Wellington!"
A very smooth, pleasant journey. Gave us time to relax between our adventures.
Reviewed by Sarah who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Robert who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"The best"
Everyone was very helpful and friendly.
Reviewed by Robert who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"Ferry Crossing: Wellington - Picton"
A very good crossing, lovely facilities and an organised process
Reviewed by Bruce who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Andrew who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Andrew who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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
Reviewed by Neil who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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
Reviewed by Rudolph who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"Easy trip"
Very pleasant crossing from Windy Welly to Picton. Appreciated the Premium Lounge facilities.
Reviewed by David who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Roger who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Michael who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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
Reviewed by Tracy who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by John who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Nina who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"Excellent service on Wellington to Picton crossing "
Faultless from booking to disembarking at Picton
Reviewed by Gordon who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Geoffrey who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"Trip to Wellington"
Efficient service and the Premier Lounge is excellent value great choice of food.
Reviewed by Erica who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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
Reviewed by Gary who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"Lovely trip"
Lovely smooth crossing and fantastic views once deck 10 opened for us to enjoy
Reviewed by Anonymous who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki
"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.
Reviewed by Rachael who travelled with Interislander on Kaitaki