The Aratere has departed Picton on its final service across Cook Strait.
It was announced earlier this year that the Interislander’s sole rail-enabled ferry would retire, to allow for Picton port redevelopment in preparation for two brand-new Cook Strait ferries, due to arrive in 2029.
The ship set sail for Wellington from a sunny, blue-skied Picton this morning on its final passenger service across Cook Strait.
The Kaitaki Interislander ferry sounded a final goodbye to the Aratere vessel shortly after its departure.
The Kaitaki Interislander ferry sounds a farewell to the Aratere vessel shortly after its last departure from Picton. (Source: 1News)
Crowds of people were seen gathered at a nearby viewing platform to watch the ship leave.
One passenger told 1News he had travelled from New Plymouth to experience the final journey, as he didn’t want to miss it.
The Aratere first arrived on New Zealand’s shores in the late 90s but encountered a number of problems throughout its 26 years of service.
Most recently, the ferry ran aground outside Picton in June 2024.
An investigation found the steering autopilot had been engaged and staff were unable to switch it off.
In March 2006, four passengers and one crew member were injured during a sailing from Wellington to Picton when heavy weather caused rail and vehicular cargo to shift on board.
Rail Minister Winston Peters announced at the end of March that two new Cook Strait ferries would enter service in 2029, featuring rail decks and the capacity for 40 wagons.
The Aratere’s design required specialised wharf infrastructure to load and unload, including integrated rail tracks, which meant it could not use Interislander’s other berths.
