Interislander ferry Aratere completes final Cook Strait voyage

Monday 18 August 2025 · 8 outlets · 10 reports · updated Mon 18 Aug 2025, 8:34pm

In this story KiwiRail, Interislander

The Aratere, New Zealand's only rail-enabled ferry, departed Picton for its final sailing to Wellington on Monday. The vessel is being retired to allow for port infrastructure redevelopment in preparation for two new ships expected in 2029. The ship has been in service for approximately 26 years.

How they headlined it

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1. StuffMon 18 Aug 2025, 4:00am

   Today is the final day of the Aratere, a ‘great ship’ once known as ‘El Lemon’ (opens in new tab)

   • The Aratere is now making its final ever Cook Strait crossing (opens in new tab) Mon 18 Aug 2025, 1:59pm
   • A nostalgic end of the Ara era on the Cook Strait (opens in new tab) Mon 18 Aug 2025, 8:34pm
2. Otago Daily TimesMon 18 Aug 2025, 8:07am

   Ferry to make final Cook Strait crossing today (opens in new tab)

3. NZ HeraldMon 18 Aug 2025, 9:58am

   Aratere makes its final sailing across Cook Strait today (opens in new tab)

   • Aboard Aratere ferry’s final Cook Strait voyage (opens in new tab) Mon 18 Aug 2025, 3:59pm
4. RNZMon 18 Aug 2025, 11:23am

   Aratere makes its final sailing across Cook Strait (opens in new tab)

   • Aratere retires after final voyage across Cook Strait (opens in new tab) Mon 18 Aug 2025, 3:05pm
5. 1NewsMon 18 Aug 2025, 12:23pm

   Cook Strait ferry Aratere on final journey to Wellington (opens in new tab)

6. The PostMon 18 Aug 2025, 5:03pm

   A fond farewell for Interislander ferry Aratere (opens in new tab)

   Also on Waikato Times (opens in new tab), The Press (opens in new tab)