Cook Strait in New Zealand is among the most breathtaking waters on Earth. For anyone traveling between the islands of Wellington (North) and Picton (South), the Interislander ferry service offers an ideal opportunity to see these wonderful waters while making their journey comfortable and enjoyable. With three different boats in its fleet, including the Kaitaki, the Kaiarahi, and the Aratere, one can wonder which Interislander ferry is the nicest. What makes one ferry better than the other could range from luxury to comfort, stability of the ride, or even food.
Before you ever board your ship, your comfort starts with logistics. Many savvy travelers book their Interislander ferry passage in conjunction with an overall road or flight journey. For those beginning their trip from the lush landscapes of Hertfordshire in the UK, making plans for your ground transportation is essential. Regardless of whether you are traveling by rail or flying prior to your New Zealand vacation, local travel arrangements like Taxis In Hemel Hempstead help you get to Luton Airport without worry. Likewise, once you arrive in New Zealand, making sure you can easily reach Wellington or Picton should be high on your list of priorities. However, once you get to the Interislander dock, the real decision comes into play. Which ship will provide the most comfortable ride?
The Interislander fleet comprises three RoRo passenger ships, and each of them is special in its own way:
Kaitaki – Largest in size (up to 1,600 passengers). Renowned for the largest lounges on board, first-class service, and outdoor viewing areas.
Kaiarahi – The newest ship (commissioned in 2021). Advanced technology, energy efficiency, quieter engines, and stylish interior design.
Aratere – Oldest one (commissioned in 1999), but refurbished in 2023-2024. New café and increased stability owing to its large hull.
The “nicest” ferry can be interpreted in various ways: luxury class seating, play areas for children, excellent meals, and photo-worthy locations. Let us look at the comparison in categories.
Also read: What Is It Like for Americans Who Moved to the UK
For most travelers, the most exciting part of the Cook Strait journey will be the Marlborough Sounds, an intricately carved network of submerged valleys and forest-covered ranges, and bright blue bays. The Kaitaki has the largest outdoor deck areas, including a covered stern deck ideal for photography. The height of the ship offers panoramic 360-degree views of the sounds. While the modern Kaiarahi is sleek and streamlined, its deck areas are slightly enclosed to minimize wind drag, resulting in a less immersive experience. In 2024, the renovated Aratere restored a forward-facing observation lounge that passengers consider “the quietest place on the strait.”
Winner for scenery: Kaitaki – nothing beats its deck space and height.
Winner for amenities: Kaitaki – more variety and dedicated spaces.
Cook Strait is known to be particularly rough in winters with heavy swells. The Kaitaki is the longest ship (181 meters) but that usually implies lesser pitching; however, its hull design results in higher wind resistance. The Kaiarahi has active fin stabilizers, allowing it to reduce pitching by 80% at most; therefore, it is the right ship for people who suffer from motion sickness.
Ship for stability: Kaiarahi – advanced technology pays off here.
Although most crossings take around 3.5 hours, the night boats have cabins. The Kaitaki has 40 private cabins (single, double, and family rooms) with their own bathrooms – similar to a cheap hotel room. The Kaiarahi has 24 cabins, a bit smaller, but they come with blackout blinds and USB plugs. The cabins on Aratere are old but refurbished in 2024, with new mattresses.
All three ships have wheelchair access, but Kaiarahi has the widest aisles, automatic doors throughout the entire ship, and an accessible lounge. Some areas of Kaitaki are narrow, connecting to outside decks. People who have problems with moving around will be more comfortable on Kaiarahi.
Checking out reviews (2024-2025) from TripAdvisor and Google:
Kaitaki: “Amazing view at the upper deck – truly postcard-worthy! And Plus Lounge is worth getting that upgrade.”
Kaiarahi: “It’s very silent here! Almost don’t even notice the noise of the engine. Great place to work from.”
Aratere: “The beanbags at the rear deck – brilliant idea! Better coffee than in Kaitaki.”
Wi-Fi connection is not reliable (due to Cook Strait geographical peculiarities) – better download all the movies before you go there.
So that you enjoy the “nicest” experience:
After enjoying a wonderful passage to Picton on South Island or Wellington on North Island, you will require further means of transport. Likewise, in case you are arriving in New Zealand after an international flight, remember to consider airport transportation. In case you are connecting through London before you go to New Zealand, for instance, it is important that you take advantage of an Airport Taxi Hemel Hempstead for the journey from Luton to Heathrow or Gatwick airports in time for your early flight to New Zealand.
If scenic beauty and space is important to you, then you will enjoy the Kaitaki, the ship with the best outdoor deck and most amenities available. If the tranquility and modern features are your priority, then the Kaiarahi is the best choice. For a laid back experience with plenty of bean bags and great dining, do not forget the newly refurbished Aratere.
Overall, it can be said that Kaitaki holds the crown as the “nicest” among the three ships as it has the best viewing decks, top quality lounge, cinema and even a family-friendly setup. The Kaiarahi comes in a close second place when it comes to the tranquility and modern features on offer.
Tip: Regardless of the ship you take, make sure you wake up early to view the Marlborough Sounds, the morning sunlight through the fjords will stay etched into your memories forever.
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