Photo: Aratere Interislander Ferry New Zealand

The stern of the Aratere, an Interislander Ferry, leaving Picton on its way to Wellington on the North Island of New Zealand.

The Interislander Ferry, named the Aratere has left the town of Picton on the South Island of New Zealand with a load of trucks and cars on their way to Wellington. The blue waters are calm as the ferry leaves its wake behind as smaller vessels stay around the Picton harbour to fish or soak up the sunshine on the water.

Aboard the Aratere you can enjoy the pleasures of the cafe where you have a wide selection of food or relax in the Fo'c'sle Lounge Bar. The children can have fun in the playroom, arcade or in the movie theatre and for babies there is a nursery equipped with cots and changing areas. For travellers who like the fresh air while on the Interislander Ferry, become memorized by the picturesque scenery on the outdoor decks.

Daily sailings are available which makes transportation between the North and South islands of New Zealand easy especially for commercial vehicles and rail freight. ... continue below the picture...

... The crossing is about three hours in duration and there are as many as five return passenger sailings a day with a few variations in the schedule depending on the season.

The Aratere can carry about 369 passengers, 60 railway carriers, 20 tractor/trailers, 100 automobiles and 30 additional cars in the lower cargo area. The Interislander ferry service is a great way to see the scenery of the Queen Charlotte Sounds and the Aratere has been in operation since 1998 making travelling much easier for tourists and residents of New Zealand.

The Aratere, Interislander Ferry, sailing from Picton to Wellington through the Queen Charlotte Sounds, Marlborough, South Island, New Zealand.