Booking changes with Aratere retirement
If you are booked to travel with us in the next few months there may be some changes to your sailing. You will receive a txt and email letting you know.
If your booking has changed you should have received an email and a txt letting you know your new sailing details. If you haven't received a message from us, call 0800 802 802 between 7:00AM and 7:00PM daily. If you booked through a travel agent or other third party get in touch with them.
There may be changes to your booking.
Changes for those booked on Kaiārahi between 27 June and 18 August
As part of our preparation for the transition period to new ships in 2029, Interislander’s Kaiārahi ferry will take Aratere’s dry dock slot departing for Singapore on 27 June and due back in mid-August.
If you were booked on Kaiārahi between 27 June and 18 August, you will have received a message from us by txt and email with your new sailing time.
The time changes are small, most within 60 minutes of original bookings.
If your new sailing time is not suitable, you are welcome to contact us for a refund or to reschedule at no additional cost.
Those with a flexi or refundable fare can do this online via manage my booking. If you do not have a flexi fare, email us at bookings@Interislander.co.nz or call 0800 802 802. Our call centre is open between 7:00AM and 7:00PM every day.
If you think your booking is affected, but you haven't received a message from us – please get in touch. If you booked through a travel agent or other third party, please get in touch with them.
Why is Kaiārahi going to dry dock this year?
Kaiārahi is due to go to dry dock this year and it makes sense to do that while we still have two ships available to meet demand.
When Kaiarahi returns, Aratere will be retired to allow for the demolition of its bespoke Picton wharf – a key part of the preparation for the two brand-new rail-enabled ferries arriving in 2029.
This also means we can maximise the two-ship timetable with a year on / year off dry dock maintenance programme during the transition period to the new ships. We are also ensuring there are no maintenance clashes with the other Cook Strait operator so there is enough overall capacity on the Strait.
Aratere to retire in August
Aratere will retire after Kaiārahi returns from dry dock. This is expected to occur between 18 and 30 August 2025.
The retirement of Aratere in mid to late August will reduce the overall freight and passenger capacity of the Interislander fleet. Passengers may have to travel at less popular times or be flexible on the dates they travel. For those planning to travel during the summer peak it is best to get in early.
If you had an existing booking in or after September 2025
If you were booked on Aratere in or after September 2025 you will have received a message by txt or email from us with your new sailing time. If the time we have offered you is not suitable and you have a flexi or refundable fare, you can change your booking yourself through manage my booking. You need your booking number and enter one of the surnames on the booking.
If you have booked through a travel agent or other third party you will need to contact them to change your booking.
Otherwise, please get in touch with our Customer Contact centre on 0800 802 802 to arrange a different time or request a full refund at no additional cost.
Kaiārahi bookings in or after September have a timetable change
If you were booked on Kaiārahi in or after September 2025, there has been a small timetable change. Look out for a message from us with your new sailing time.