Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme

The Government is replacing Interislander’s Kaitaki and Kaiarahi ferries with two new, larger rail-enabled ferries in 2029.

The project includes necessary port upgrades in Picton and Wellington, with a focus on maximising the re-use of the existing port, rail and road infrastructure.

The organisations working together on the ferry programme are:

  • Ferry Holdings Ltd – a Crown entity responsible for procuring the new ferries, funding infrastructure, reaching commercial agreements with parties and general oversight across the project.
  • Port Marlborough NZ – the port company responsible for major infrastructure work in Picton.
  • CentrePort – the port company responsible for major infrastructure work in Kaiwharawhara, Wellington.
  • NZTA – State Highway improvements in Picton to support the new ferries.
  • KiwiRail – constructing the new Dublin Street road bridge over the rail line in Picton and some rail and vehicle yard changes at the two terminals to align them with the new infrastructure.

KiwiRail is also contributing its rail expertise and decades of customer experience running Interislander to support the design of the new ferries and required port-side infrastructure work.

We are focussed on running reliable and safe Interislander ferry services for New Zealanders over the transition period. Our enhanced maintenance regime and road-bridging of rail freight are well established.

During the port construction there will be temporary changes to how people and vehicles move around the Wellington and Picton terminals, but signage will be in place and our Interislander staff will be there to assist.

Information on relevant parts of the Ferry Replacement Programme can be found at: