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Picton, New Zealand – The Aratere ferry has made its final journey across the Cook Strait, departing Picton under sunny skies on its last passenger service. The vessel’s retirement was announced earlier this year to facilitate redevelopment at Picton port, making way for two new Cook Strait ferries expected in 2029. Crowds gathered at a viewing platform to witness the Aratere’s departure, with one passenger making a special trip from New Plymouth to experience the ferry’s final sailing.
The Kaitaki Interislander ferry sounds a farewell to the Aratere vessel shortly after its last departure from Picton.
Aratere’s Service and Future
The Aratere, the Interislander’s only rail-enabled ferry, has served New Zealand since the late 1990s. its 26-year tenure was marked by several incidents. Most recently, in June 2024, the ferry ran aground near Picton. An examination revealed that the steering autopilot had been engaged, and staff were unable to disengage it. Another incident occurred in March 2006, when heavy weather caused cargo to shift, resulting in injuries to four passengers and one crew member during a sailing from Wellington to Picton.
The Aratere’s specialized design, requiring dedicated wharf infrastructure for loading and unloading rail cars, meant it could only use specific berths. This contrasts with the upcoming new ferries, which are slated to feature rail decks and a capacity for 40 wagons, enhancing operational adaptability.
As the Aratere departs, the Kaitaki Interislander ferry offered a final salute. The nation anticipates the arrival of the new vessels in 2029, signaling a new era for Cook Strait crossings.
The vessel set sail from a sunny, blue-skied Picton this
