The Government’s investment in the Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme will deliver two new rail-enabled ferries by 2029.
The key agencies involved are Ferry Holdings Limited (FHL) who are procuring the new ferries, working closely with partners CentrePort Wellington, Port Marlborough New Zealand and KiwiRail to ensure the delivery of safe, reliable, resilient and economically efficient inter-island services from 2029.
The programme is adopting a maximum reuse approach to both Wellington’s and Picton’s port facilities.
Modest infrastructure upgrades across the Wellington and Picton terminals will enable seamless integration of new ferry services and enhance operational efficiency.
In Picton, the key sites related to the ferry replacement programme include Port Marlborough’s Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project being delivered by HEB Construction and a new overbridge in Dublin Street, constructed by KiwiRail.
At the same time, NZ Transport Agency will be undertaking planned intersection upgrades in Picton and will change the designation of Kent Street to become State Highway 1 - returning Wairau Road/Nelson Square to a local road.
Marlborough District Council is working closely with all the key agencies involved.
For more information go to the project partners websites:
Port Marlborough
Ferry Holdings
KiwiRail
NZ Transport Agency
CentrePort Wellington
This page contains printable PDF versions of Waitohi Picton
Matters. This Council newsletter is produced each quarter starting April 2026
with a strong focus on the nationally important Cook Strait Ferry Replacement
Programme and what it means for the residents of Picton and visitors to the
town. Contributing
agencies are Ferry Holdings LTD, Port Marlborough, KiwiRail, NZ Transport
Agency and CentrePort Wellington.
Copies of the newsletter are available at the Picton Library and Service Centre.
