Aratere Ferry Makes Final Cook Strait Crossing After 30 Years

The Aratere ferry made its final crossing of the Cook Strait today, marking the end of a significant chapter in New Zealand’s maritime history. Departing from Picton this morning, the ferry has been a vital link between the North and South islands for over three decades.

Announced in April, the retirement of the Aratere is part of a broader initiative by KiwiRail to upgrade port infrastructure in preparation for two new ferries scheduled to arrive in 2029. The Aratere, which first sailed into New Zealand’s waters in 1999, was built in Spain and replaced the Aratika, which had operated since 1974.

Memories and Farewells

The retirement has prompted emotional responses from those who have worked on and traveled with the ferry. Fiona Mansell, Secretary of the Maritime Union Wellington Branch, reflected on her time as a cabin attendant aboard the Aratere. “It’s really sad to see the ship sail into the capital for the last time,” she said. “It’s kind of like losing something or somebody that’s very close to you.”

Mansell emphasized the strong bonds formed among the crew, describing them as a family. “They’re with each other a lot; they become family, not just friends,” she added. The impact of the Aratere’s retirement is felt not only by the crew but also by the community and the country as a whole.

Truck driver Morgan MacAllister-Robb has been a frequent traveler on the Interislander for his 35-year career, making around 312 trips annually on the Aratere over the past six years. “By a stroke of luck, I had a ticket on its last crossing,” he noted. “It just happens to be one of my scheduled sailings.” MacAllister-Robb expressed his fondness for the Aratere, stating it was his favorite ferry in the fleet, and acknowledged the void it would leave in the Wellington and Picton ports.

A History of Challenges and Triumphs

The Aratere’s journey has not been without its challenges. In its early months, the ferry experienced mechanical issues, including a significant power failure on February 24, 1999, which left it adrift in Wellington Harbour. Following this incident, KiwiRail, then known as Tranz Rail, published a full-page ad in the Weekend Herald stating, “Sorry it hasn’t been plain sailing.”

As the years progressed, the ferry faced various difficulties, such as an incident in which it lurched forward in heavy weather, injuring five passengers. This led to the implementation of new heavy weather protocols for ferries operating in the Cook Strait.

In 2011, the Aratere underwent a significant transformation with a $53 million extension that increased its passenger capacity from 400 to 650. The ship was cut in half, and a new mid-body section was inserted. While this upgrade improved the ferry’s capabilities, it also brought complications, including the loss of a starboard propeller in the Cook Strait two years later. An investigation revealed that the propeller had been improperly fitted, likely due to a lack of expert consultation by KiwiRail.

The Aratere faced further scrutiny following an incident on June 21, 2024, when it ran aground just outside of Picton with 47 passengers on board. Although no injuries occurred, the event prompted another investigation by the Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC). Their interim report cited a 36-second autopilot error as the cause of the grounding.

Looking Ahead

In April, Winston Peters, the Rail Minister, announced the ferry’s retirement, noting that the Aratere was the only ferry allowing rail freight to roll on and off. This limitation meant it could not use another wharf in Picton while port upgrades are underway. Peters indicated that maintaining the ferry would have required an estimated $120 million, a cost deemed unsustainable.

The retirement of the Aratere has resulted in a restructuring process within KiwiRail, leading to potential job losses. The company confirmed that details regarding job cuts and possible redeployments would be communicated by the end of August. The future of the Aratere post-retirement remains uncertain, with plans for it to remain at its berth in Wellington for the time being.

As the Aratere completes its last journey, it leaves behind a legacy intertwined with the lives of those who served on board and traveled across the Cook Strait. Its retirement signals the beginning of a new era in New Zealand’s ferry services, one that aims to enhance connectivity for future generations.