August 4, 2026

In July the Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme reached a series of significant milestones, with infrastructure works advancing in both Wellington and Picton and key commercial arrangements now in place to support the next phase of delivery.

Ferry Holdings, CentrePort, Port Marlborough and KiwiRail have been working together to finalise infrastructure scope, progress detailed design and establish the agreements required to deliver the port infrastructure needed for the new rail-enabled ferries, which remain on track to enter service in 2029.

Commercial agreements between the partners were signed on 30 June 2026 and approved by shareholding Ministers in July, marking an important step in the programme. The arrangements cover infrastructure delivery and the future use of the assets by KiwiRail as part of its Interislander operations.

Early construction activity is underway at both ports, including demolition works, transition activities and the mobilisation of critical materials and equipment and main works will commence at both Ports later this month. A common ship-to-shore linkspan solution for rail and vehicle operations has also been developed for both ports, with a preferred supplier selected and a letter of intent signed ahead of a formal contract.

Work is also progressing on the procurement of key marine infrastructure, including primary berth piling in Picton and the wharf extension in Wellington.

Picton: Replacing Ageing Infrastructure

Port Marlborough and Ferry Holdings are investing in new infrastructure to support safe, reliable and efficient ferry operations for passengers and freight.

The Picton works include a new wharf, a new linkspan, a vehicle access bridge and a passenger walkway, replacing infrastructure that has reached the end of its service life and preparing the port for the arrival of the new ferries.

The scope of works is well defined, with concept designs completed and further design work underway. Temporary infrastructure will also be installed to ensure ferry services and other port operations can continue throughout construction, following the programme’s maximum reuse, minimum viable approach.

Wellington: Building on Existing Assets

At Kaiwharawhara, CentrePort and Ferry Holdings are upgrading port infrastructure to accommodate the new ferries while minimising disruption to existing operations.

CentrePort is responsible for delivering the marine infrastructure, including upgrades and reconfiguration of existing wharf facilities, installation of a new linkspan and access bridge, and supporting the wider programme through technical expertise.

The Wellington works focus on maximising the reuse of existing infrastructure while ensuring the assets delivered are fit for purpose and capable of supporting ferry operations for decades to come.

Together, the improvements at Picton and Wellington will provide the infrastructure required to support the next generation of Cook Strait ferries and help deliver a safe, reliable and resilient ferry connection between the North and South Islands.

For more details visit

Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project – Port Marlborough

Wellington Ferry Infrastructure Project — Wellington Ferry Infrastructure