New Interislander Ferries Kupe and Cook Set for 2029 Launch

Rail Minister Winston Peters announced that two new Cook Strait ferries, Kupe and Cook, will join the Interislander fleet. Ship construction is slated to begin in 2027, with delivery expected in 2029. KiwiRail will operate the vessels for a 30-year lifespan, after which the arrangement will be reviewed in 2039. The project follows years of negotiations, design changes and cost escalations across successive governments.

KiwiRail to operate 'Kupe' and 'Cook' Interislander ferries, commercial agreements signed

The replacement programme is valued at $1.9 billion. The government has reaffirmed that the taxpayer contribution will not exceed $1.7 billion, a ceiling announced in November 2025 alongside a fixed-price contract with Guangzhou Shipyard International. Crown-owned Ferry Holdings will fund $373 million for new infrastructure in Picton, while CentrePort and Port Marlborough will each receive $100 million and $110 million, respectively, and will earn a reasonable return on those investments. KiwiRail will pay commercially priced port fees to the three ports, and a special-purpose vehicle will be created to co-own assets between Port Marlborough and Ferry Holdings.

Two new Cook Strait ferries to arrive in 2029

Peters emphasized that KiwiRail’s long-standing operation of the Interislander since 1962 provides essential expertise for the integrated rail-freight and ferry system linking Auckland and Christchurch. He highlighted recent performance gains, noting an 98 % reliability rate and a projected $160 million earnings target for the year ending 30 June 2026. The minister also framed the vessel names as reflecting New Zealand’s maritime heritage and the pioneering spirit of its settlers.

Two new Cook Strait ferries to arrive in 2029

• “KiwiRail has run the Interislander since its inception in 1962, and in our book, experience counts,” — Winston Peters, Rail Minister

Two new Cook Strait ferries to arrive in 2029

• “This decision keeps the rail freight network and ferry operation working as one system, supporting the critical domestic freight route between Auckland and Christchurch.” — Winston Peters, Rail Minister

Two new Cook Strait ferries to arrive in 2029

• “improved performance, with Interislander reliability now at 98% and KiwiRail is poised, pending final audit, to achieve its $160 million earnings target to 30 June 2026” — Winston Peters, Rail Minister

Two new Cook Strait ferries to arrive in 2029

• “On the names, Peters said: "Kupe and Cook reflect New Zealand as it actually is: a country shaped by the sea, by settlement, by risk, by enterprise, and by people who crossed dangerous waters in search of a future.” — Winston Peters, Rail Minister

Two new Cook Strait ferries to arrive in 2029