History
Interislander has been getting Kiwis across Cook Strait for over 60 years. Go back in time and learn more about our rich history!
Our ships played their part in New Zealand's history as well. Aramoana radically changed travel across Cook Strait as the country's first roll on, roll off ship, carrying cars, trucks and railway wagons. Arahura is a firm favourite for those who travelled on it. The Lynx delivered the fastest way to cross the Strait.
Aranui
The success of Aramoana promoted a swift call for the planning of a new ship, soon to be known as Aranui.
Arahanga
Arahanga was known as a workhorse of the then New Zealand Railways/Interislander fleet for 28 years.
Aratika
The Aratika joined the Interislander fleet to carry freight along with the Arahanga.
Arahura
Arahura was purpose-built for the New Zealand Railways Corporation in 1983 replacing the Aramoana and Aranui.
The Lynx
The Lynx was Interislander's fast ferry service introduced in 1994 and operated for 11 years in total.
Aratere
Aratere made its final sailing on 18 August 2025, retiring after 26 years of service to make way for new rail-enabled ferries in 2029.
Kaitaki
Kaitaki is the largest ferry on the Cook Strait route since joining the Interislander fleet in 2005.
Kaiārahi
Kaiārahi became an Interislander ferry in 2013 when it arrived from the Baltic to cover the peak summer period while Aratere was out of service.
Cruisin' on the Interislander
For many Kiwis of a certain age, as soon as they hear "Interislander" they are instantly reminded of the lyrics from the 1990 TV advertisement "Cruisin' on the Interislander" by The Warratahs.