Aratere

Operated by Interislander on the Picton Wellington route

The Aratere is the longest serving ship in the Interislander fleet but is still one of the most modern and high tech vessels on New Zealand waters. It can carry up to 600 passengers and with it being 183.5 metres in length you will not be short of space to roam.

Onboard you’ll find a food court, luxury premium seating, children’s playing and changing facilities, a cinema room and even free WiFi, so you won’t have to miss out on work or keeping in touch with family and friends. The lounge bar is the perfect way to relax and is stocked with a large selection of world famous New Zealand wine.

Onboard Cabins / Reserved Seating

There are no cabins on this Interislander ship, however, there is enough comfortable seating aboard the Aratere for everyone to sit back and relax, even during the busy Christmas and Easter periods. For those who want some privacy during their crossing there is the luxurious Premium Plus Lounges on offer. Premium travellers get to experience the Aratere Plus Seating, as well as three complimentary meals.

Onboard Food and Drink

If you fancy a bite to eat on your journey through New Zealand waters then you can visit the onboard Food Court. A large array of dishes are available to suit even the most discerning tastes. There are two eating areas on Deck 4, the Pennant Café and the F’oc’sle Lounge Bar. Here you can sample of a range of hot and cold food, including the Interislander’s specially designed pie. For those who fancy sampling some of the local specialities, the bar is stocked with an impressive selection of famous New Zealand wines.

Onboard Shopping

The shop on the ship offers the chance to buy your New Zealand souvenirs as well as travel items, newspapers, confectionery, gifts, puzzles, toys, postcards and stamps. You can also purchase tickets for the cinema room here too.

Additional Onboard Facilities

There are a number of additions that will help you while away the hours. The cinema room shows the latest movie releases with showings suitable for all ages. Local bands and performers are often used onboard, including magicians and clowns for younger passengers. A Bureau de Change is available for any passengers who need to exchange some last minute currency.

Travelling with Children

Onboard the ship there is plenty to keep some of the younger passengers occupied. On Deck 4 you can find the Children’s Play Area, a safe and fun environment for little ones to play games, use the slides and pass time in front of the Disney Playhouse Channel that’s displayed on the televisions. There are also two conveniently placed nursery rooms in close proximity to the play area which provide baby changing facilities. The cinema room also shows films to suit all generations.

Accessibility

The facilities aboard the Aratere are located on one long and wide deck, meaning that accessibility around the ship is suitable for disabled access. This includes all amenities and the viewing area at the front. This vessel has been accredited with Silver Status on the Be Accessible website.

Please Note: Whilst we have taken great care in making our Aratere guide as accurate as possible, onboard facilities, services and entertainment may vary depending on the date and time of year that you travel, facilities mentioned may change without notification and ferry companies reserve the right to operate vessels other than those mentioned at time of booking without prior notification.

Onboard Aratere

Other Interislander Ships

Aratere Reviews

4.5

out of 5

93% of our customers recommended this ship

General:4.4
Staff:4.9
Catering:4.0
Punctuality:4.7
Cleanliness:4.6

"Disappointing"

Having pre booked the Plus Lounge, we were very disappointed that when we arrived in the Plus Lounge the food had gone, we had a campervan and were one of the last to be loaded on to the ferry, the lounge was very busy with rugby fans who had eaten everything in sight, very unfair for those who arrive late to the lounge as they are loading their vehicles, most of the lounge were foot passengers. Maybe access could be allowed once everyone has been loaded rather than during.
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Reviewed by Anonymous who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Fantastic experience "

Great service, great staff and super easy check in. On time to leave and arrived early.
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Reviewed by Anonymous who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Good service"

Customer service was great and driving was made easy in the terminal.
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Reviewed by Joel who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Ferry experience"

All staff were very friendly and professional. We were given a food voucher for journey which went a long way in purchasing coffee and lunch as well as snacks for our journey. My husband ate fish and chips which were delicious and I had vegetarian lasagne with a lovely salad, so happy there was catering for vegetarians. The trip was a dream crossing, sun was shining and seas were calm. Getting on and off with car was very smooth and trouble free.
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Reviewed by Beamer Dreamers who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Scenic cruise"

Great views on our trip across the Cook straight, we took the upgrade to the lounge but not sure ir was worth the extra.
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Reviewed by David who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Great way to start you South Island Adventures "

Got the 6.45 ferry from Wellington and saw a beautiful Sunrise this is always good start to your day. ..Then once aboard I didn't know but had pass to the breakfast buffet,well what a surprise. Delicious hot breakfast ,good coffee and friendly staff .Then on deck and feeling that warm Sun and see the amazing landscape of the South Island..As we got close to port there views where spectacular. Overall very good value, friendly staff and great experience. ..Looking forward to next time..
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Reviewed by Andrew who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Great experience"

Great sailing. Managed to save quite a bit booking through direct ferries and on top of that were given lounge passes. I would certainly recommend booking through direct ferries and sailing on the Interislander. The staff in the lounge were very friendly and range of food and drinks great.
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Reviewed by Jacob who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Ferry Crossing "

Thankfully a calm sea allowed for a perfect crossing. The views of Marlborough Sounds whilst journeying from Picton were simply stunning.
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Reviewed by Tim who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Lovely boat journey "

Beautiful scenery and nice ferry boat, helpful staff. Checkin is laborious and I don’t know why we were told all the ferries were full before ours on the day, seemed to be plenty of spare car deck room.
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Reviewed by Anonymous who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Very pleasant journey"

We had a nice relaxing time. Staff was super friendly and very helpful. We enjoyed the food and wine a lot. Time flew quickly. Thank you.
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Reviewed by Krisztina who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Interislander"

Very good
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Reviewed by Anonymous who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Great Journey"

Travelled as foot passengers and the check in process was quick and easy. The ferry left sharp and comfortable with suitable space. When entering the Cook Straits was a highlight the weather was sunny and breathtaking. The disembarkation was easy and cases quickly on the belt. Good value and highly recommend.
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Reviewed by William who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Great trip"

Enjoyed the crossing very comfortable and great service. Hope we can use it again one day
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Reviewed by Peter who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Smooth"

Check in was straightforward and we had a smooth and uneventful crossing. Staff were pleasant. No problems. Baggage reclaim didn’t take long. Altogether a good experience.
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Reviewed by Thomas who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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"Smooth sailing"

It was my first time driving a car onto the ferry. The whole process was so very easy. Instructions clear. Staff on board were friendly. Food and beverages available and reasonably priced. It really was smooth sailing. I would recommend the Interislander ferry.
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Reviewed by Kay who travelled with Interislander on Aratere
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