Exciting Changes Ahead – Temporary Pause on New Bookings
We’re getting ready to launch a new and improved timetable for Kaitaki and Kaiarahi, starting as early as October 2025. To prepare for this exciting transition, bookings for travel after 9 September 2025 are temporarily on hold while we update our system.
New bookings will be available again from 19 May 2025. We appreciate your understanding as we make these improvements to serve you better.
New Ferry Project and Aratere Retirement
Construction on Aratere’s Picton wharf is scheduled to begin between October 2025 and March 2026, marking a key milestone in the development of our new ferries project. As we prepare to welcome two new, larger rail-enabled ferries in 2029, operational planning is underway for the retirement of the Aratere later this year. While it will be sad to farewell one of the trusted workhorses of the Strait, this transition is essential to building a more modern and reliable service.
Important Information for Existing Bookings
For passengers with confirmed bookings on Aratere from September 2025 onwards, our team will be in contact to arrange alternative sailings on Kaitaki and Kaiarahi. If the offered alternative does not meet your needs, refunds will be available.
For those with bookings on Kaitaki or Kaiarahi from September 2025 onwards, there may be changes to your travel times as the new timetable is introduced. We will notify you of any updates as soon as they become available.
Thank you for your understanding and support as we move forward with these exciting changes.
We apologize for any inconvenience caused by this disruption and remain committed to providing as much assistance as possible.
For further inquiries or assistance with your travel plans, please contact our New Zealand Travel Team.
Our friendly New Zealand Travel Team is available from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (New Zealand Time) Monday - Sunday, excluding public holidays.
For assistance and reservations during our opening hours contact our New Zealand Travel Team by email or phone. To cancel a reservation, please email us at
info@newzealandtravelteam.com before 72hrs or 3 days from the travel date.
Phone
You can call one of our English-speaking Consultants at +64 7 575 5049
Current New Zealand time:
Within New Zealand:
Reservations only with payment - 0800-143-669
Travel planning and all other inquiries - +64 7 575 5049
Outside New Zealand:
+61 1800 359 729 Australia Toll-free
+1 855 413 3019 USA Toll-free
+1 866 554 0304 Canada Toll-free
+44 800 0148106 United Kingdom Toll-free
