A fond farewell for Interislander ferry Aratere

Monday, 18 August 2025

It was an “emotional” final crossing for passengers and former crew disembarking the Aratere after its last voyage on Monday afternoon.

The Aratere, Interislander’s only rail-enabled vessel, is being retired after 26 years of sailing to allow new port infrastructure to be built for two new ferries set to arrive in 2029.

Many of the passengers and crew who spoke to The Post as they disembarked said it was a good send-off for the ferry.

Passengers Jo and Abby Holdaway said they had enjoyed the final voyage from Picton.

“The staff were fantastic and they all had fancy dress and singing songs, sea shanties …they were hilarious,” Jo Holdaway said.

“It was lovely, it was a good send off,” Abby Holdaway added.

John Beard, who was on the last voyage of the Arahura ferry 10 years ago, said it had been a smooth crossing.

“[The] entertainment was good, it was enjoyable. Nice to be able to celebrate a great history for the vessel,” he said.

Passenger John Ford told The Post, “it was lovely, it was beautiful sailing. It was quite fun … the karakia at the end was lovely.”

For others, it was an emotional farewell to the Aratere.

Tugboat driver Shorty Robinson had worked on the ferry for more than seven years and was on the final voyage with her family.

“I’m going to miss her, she’s my favourite boat. I think there’s a lot of people wanting to have a wee cry.”

Former crew member Sue Inyim described the crossing as “pretty emotional.”

“I had a few tears. I worked on the ship for about 10 years so it was good to go back and say goodbye to her and see the crew, and former crew and captains and all the mates. It was amazing,” she said.

KiwiRail has not yet announced what will happen to the Aratere now it has completed its final voyage.