Aratere ferry to make final Cook Strait sailing on 18 August

Thursday 7 August 2025 · 4 outlets · 4 reports · updated Thu 7 Aug 2025, 1:44pm

In this story KiwiRail

The Interislander ferry Aratere will depart from Picton for its final voyage on 18 August 2025. The vessel's retirement coincides with the expected return of the Kaiārahi following maintenance in Singapore. This transition occurs as preparations begin for new rail-enabled ferries arriving in 2029.

How they headlined it

10:34am1:06pm

1. 1NewsThu 7 Aug 2025, 10:34am

   Final Cook Strait sailing for Aratere confirmed (opens in new tab)

2. StuffThu 7 Aug 2025, 10:51am

   Here's when Interislander ferry Aratere will sail for the final time (opens in new tab)

   • Watch: How many Cook Strait ferries do you see? Is it two? You’re wrong (opens in new tab) Thu 7 Aug 2025, 1:44pm
3. NZ HeraldThu 7 Aug 2025, 1:06pm

   Final sailing date for KiwiRail’s Aratere ferry announced (opens in new tab)

   Also on RNZ (opens in new tab)