Interislander Cook Strait ferry Aratere to be retired this year

The Aratere has been sailing the Cook Strait since 1999. (Image: Mark Mitchell)

Wed, 30 Apr 2025

After 26 years of sailing the Cook Strait, Interislander’s Aratere will be retired later this year to make way for port redevelopment, leaving the transport sector with concerns. KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy announced the ship's retirement on Wednesday, saying the move is necessary to prepare Picton for the two brand-new ferries arriving in 2029. The move will reduce the number of ferries from three to two and consequently lead to job losses. “The exact number will depend on the outcome of a consultation p...

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