Final Cook Strait ferry costs unveiled

An artist's impression of one of the new ferries being loaded. (Image: Ferry Holdings)

Wed, 19 Nov 2025

The Government estimates the cost of upgrading the Cook Strait ferry terminals in Wellington and Picton will total $876 million, some $1 billion lower than estimates for the Treasury in May 2023 for the now scrapped iReX rail ferry project.Rail Minister Winston Peters announced the new costings in a package giving details on the ferry programme.The 25-page document contained almost no new information other than the projected costs, which includes $596m for two rail-enabled ferries to be built by Guangzhou Shipyard International.Peters will incl...

Subscribe to BusinessDesk

Stay informed on business, government and financial developments across New Zealand.

Deeply researched, twice-edited and fact-checked news
Annual subscribers also receive a complimentary subscription to The Wall Street Journal
Personalised email news alerts, plus gift up to 5 stories a month to non-subscribers

You can cancel anytime.

We are serious about journalism.

Already a Subscriber ? Sign in here.

Name {{ registerForm.errors.get('name') }}

Email address {{ registerForm.errors.get('email') }}

Phone Number {{ registerForm.errors.get('phone') }}

Job Title {{ registerForm.errors.get('title') }}

Password Minimum password length of 8 characters.
Require at least one upper and lowercase, numeric, and special character. {{ registerForm.errors.get('password') }}

Repeat password {{ registerForm.errors.get('password_confirmation') }}

We had trouble validating your card. It's possible your card provider is preventing us from charging the card. Please contact your card provider or customer support.

Credit Card

Cardholder's name

{{ __(plans[index].name) | capitalize }} {{ plans[index].attributes.old_price | currency }} {{ plans[index].price | currency }}

All subscriptions auto renew but are easy to cancel.

I Accept The Terms Of Service

{{ registerForm.errors.get('terms') }}

Tax: {{ taxAmount(selectedPlan) | currency }}

Total Price Including Tax: {{ priceWithTax(selectedPlan) | currency }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerSeat ? '/ '+ spark.seatName : '' }} {{ selectedPlan.type == 'user' && spark.chargesUsersPerTeam ? '/ '+ __('teams.team') : '' }} / {{ __(selectedPlan.interval) | capitalize }}

Infrastructure

Fulton Hogan shareholders exposed in cyber breach

The company has closed its shareholder portal as attackers access password database.

Thomas Manch 10:15am

The Quiz Free

QuiznessDesk, Monday, Dec 08

Hungry for some trivia?

The Quizmaster 9:15am

Energy

Electricity sector ‘less resilient’ if lake limits eased

Transpower has warned that lower prices increase risks to NZ’s power supply.

Ian Llewellyn 5:00am

Electricity sector ‘less resilient’ if lake limits eased

Sponsored

Journey to AI success starts with modern foundations

Strong tech, data and security foundations make AI succeed.

Cognizant

Sponsored

Building the foundations for AI success: Practical insights from New Zealand leaders

NZ leaders reveal how to build AI that delivers real value.

Cognizant

More Infrastructure

Infrastructure

Fulton Hogan shareholders exposed in cyber breach

The company has closed its shareholder portal as attackers access password database.

Thomas Manch 10:15am

Policy

Warning about summer submissions for RMA overhaul

New legislation to replace the RMA will be unveiled in Parliament this week.

Thomas Manch 5:00am

Infrastructure

Drury-back gondola gets conditional endorsement

A proposed gondola transport system for congested Queenstown seeks fast-track entry.

Thomas Manch 5:00am

Infrastructure

New Zealand updates Public-Private Partnership guidance

The New Zealand Government has announced updated guidance for Public-Private Partnership (PPP) projects, aimed at providing greater clarity and consistency to the private sector and government agencies.Infrastructure Minister Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court said the...

BD AI 05 Dec 2025

Final Cook Strait ferry costs unveiled

More Infrastructure

Your company has a subscription

Team