Interislander - Cook Strait Ferries

Kaitaki

Interislander's largest ferry, with restaurants, movie theatres, a bar, lounges and a deck dedicated to children, Kaitaki is a perfect fit for the whole family.

Boy enjoys play area v2 750 scenery kaitaki in the sounds Kaitaki Atrium

Making the most of your time on board

There's so much to see and do on board Kaitaki.

Kaitaki Deck Layout

Lounges

Kaitaki has a choice of three lounges to travel in comfort across Cook Strait. Each includes a guaranteed seat and food and beverage options.

Couple relaxing in Premium Lounge
Premium Lounge

The Premium Lounge is Kaitaki's private room reserved for passengers 18+. It is undoubtedly the most comfortable and luxurious way to cross Cook Strait.

Find out more about upgrading to our Premium Lounge.

“This was our first experience with Interislander and truly enjoyed it. The premium lounge was very relaxing, enjoyable and the food and staff were terrific and accomodating.”
child enjoys breakfast watched by mother
Pelorus Jack Lounge 

If you're travelling with family, the Pelorus Jack Lounge may be perfect for you.

Enjoy a light buffet while you relax and soak in the views.

Find out more about upgrading to Pelorus Jack Lounge.

“Made our crossing with our small child so much easier and relaxing! We would highly recommend this experience.”
woman takes in the view from Queen Charlotte Lounge
Queen Charlotte Lounge

An adults-only space with comfortable leather recliner so you can relax as you soak in the views. Upgrades include a $15 food and beverage voucher to use on board. 

Find out more about upgrading to Queen Charlotte Lounge.

“Booked the Queen Charlotte Lounge, adults only, nice and quiet and not too busy, loved it.”

Private cabins

Relax in your own space. Upgrade to a private cabin with ensuite and arrive at your destination rested and refreshed. Cabins accommodate up to four people.

Find out more about upgrading to a private cabin.

Places to eat and drink

On Kaitaki, you can choose from three great dining options.

customers are served at Island Bar
Island Bar and Café

Grab a barista coffee and a croissant in the morning, or a cold beer, glass of wine and a light snack in the afternoon.

You may be entertained with live music courtesy of our Bands on Board programme.

“I was surprised to see and hear a live band in the bar - they were clearly talented and were appreciated by all who were there.”
customer samples food from Ocean View Eatery
Ocean View Eatery 

Enjoy a range of hot food, salads, kids' meals, desserts and drinks, with comfortable seating and amazing views. 

Hector's Café

If you're hankering after a delicious slice of cake or an amazing barista coffee, Hector's Café is definitely the place to go.

food displayed in Hector's Cafe

Places to soak in the views

The spectacular views are definitely a highlight of your journey and Kaitaki offers a range of comfortable places to take them in.

Wherever you are, keep your eyes peeled for the bird and sea life that call Cook Strait home.  Spotting a pod of dolphins or a native sea bird will make your trip even more special.

Find out more about the wildlife you might be lucky enough to see during your crossing.

stunning views from the Lookout Atrium
The Lookout Atrium

Kaitaki's ultimate indoor viewing area, split across two levels and featuring floor to ceiling windows. There is simply no better place to sit back at watch the world float by.

Outside viewing areas

Kaitaki has several large outdoor viewing areas. These spaces are perfect for soaking in the spectacular views of Wellington Harbour and the Marlborough Sounds.

couple soak in the views

Travelling with Children?

With an entire deck dedicated to children, Kaitaki makes it easy to keep young ones entertained.  And for more ideas, check out our kids page.

Play Zone

Specially designed for younger children, Play Zone offers a fun and active environment for the kids to enjoy during the journey. Light snacks and drinks are available for hungry tummies.

young boy enjoys Play Zone
Nigel Kennedy engages with young boy
Children's entertainers

If you're travelling during the New Zealand school holidays, you may find a magician, balloon artist or face painter on board to make the journey even more memorable.

Free activity books
Pick up a free activity book from Reception. It's packed full of activities and puzzles to keep the kids entertained.
illustration from activity book
Nurseries

Four small nurseries with bathrooms, comfortable chairs and changing stations are available for those travelling with little ones.

Things to keep you entertained

People watch a movie
Cinemas

Relax and enjoy a movie in one of Kaitaki's two cinemas.  Watching a movie is a great way to pass the time if you're feeling a bit seasick.  Movies, including the latest releases, are chosen daily and tickets are available from the Snack Bar on Deck 2. 

Bands on Board

We're proud to support New Zealand entertainers by inviting them to perform on board during our 8:45am sailing to Picton and our 2:15pm sailing to Wellington.

If there's a band performing on your sailing, you'll find them in the Island Bar.  Check out our Bands on Board calendar to find out who's on.

bands on board image

Other useful information

Here are a few more things to make your journey on Kaitaki more relaxing and enjoyable.

Stay connected on board Kaitaki and in our terminals with free Wi-Fi.

Check your email, read the latest news, and post on social media.  But, if you want  to watch a movie or your favourite V show, we recommend you download it before you leave home.

Please note that Wi-Fi signal strength can be affected by weather, user volumes and distance from land-based cell towers.

Kaitaki has a dedicated smoking and vaping area outside on Deck 7. Smoking and vaping is forbidden in all other areas of the ship.

Kaitaki has lifts to take you from the car decks to the passenger area and the lifts can also take you between Decks 8 and 9. There are ramps and handrails. Accessible toilets are available - just ask our crew for directions.

Find out more about accessibility on all three of our ferries