The Aratere ferry has made its final Cook Strait crossing this morning, ending nearly 30 years of service.
Its retirement clears the way for KiwiRail’s port upgrades ahead of two new ferries arriving in 2029.
This farewell comes just days after the Government announced a $144 million settlement with Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, following the cancellation of the troubled iReX ferry project.
Trains Minister Winston Peters says the deal is fair and slashes costs compared to the feared $551 million payout.
The Aratere’s last voyage marks the end of an era—and the beginning of a new chapter in inter-island travel.
