The Cook Strait / Te Moana o Raukawakawa connection is central to New Zealand’s transport and tourism network and is known as one of the world’s most scenic ferry routes. Waitohi Picton has supported safe and reliable ferry operations for many decades, with ferries navigating Tōtaranui / Queen Charlotte Sound and Kura Te Au / Tory Channel as part of a well- established and carefully managed route through the Marlborough Sounds, and supported in Picton Harbour by Port Marlborough’s marine fleet of towage vessels.
Waitohi Picton holds deep significance for iwi as a traditional waka landing site, it has held a long-standing role as a place of arrival, connection and movement across Te Moana o Raukawakawa. This enduring history continues to shape how the harbour is understood and valued today.
Port Marlborough, together with Ferry Holdings is progressing the infrastructure required at Waitohi Picton to accommodate the new rail-enabled ferries that will replace the ageing fleet.
Project overview
The Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project is delivering the infrastructure required to support the operations of two new rail-enabled ships. Works as part of this project include:
The scope also includes enabling works, planning and design, working within consent requirements, and working closely with iwi partners, the community, and project partners to support a successful delivery phase for Picton and Marlborough. The project is being carefully staged and managed to support business continuity across the port for all customers, including KiwiRail, Interislander, and StraitNZ Bluebridge.
Supplementary to the port works, a new overbridge at Dublin Street will be constructed, separating road and rail to improve safety and efficiency, this will be managed by KiwiRail.
Timeframes
Work will be carried out in several phases leading up to the delivery, commissioning, and operational transition to the new ferries. Broadly speaking, the three major phases are:
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Exclusive Construction Zone in Picton Harbour
The ECZ will remain in place for the duration of the project to protect everyone on the water.
Please familiarise yourself with the location of the ECZ and watch for the yellow buoys when entering and leaving Picton harbour in your vessel. A map of the ECZ is available here.
What is being built at Waitohi Picton? The project is delivering a new ferry wharf, linkspan, and supporting landside infrastructure to enable the operation of new inter-island ferries from 2029.
This work forms part of the wider Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme led by Ferry Holdings.
How does this relate to Ferry Holdings’ programme? Ferry Holdings is responsible for coordinating the national programme, including procuring the new ferries and coordinating the port infrastructure.
At Waitohi Picton, Port Marlborough is leading the Picton infrastructure. HEB Construction has been contracted to deliver the construction works.
What approach is being taken to the design and construction? In line with Ferry Holdings’ approach, the project focuses on:
Why is the project being delivered now? Existing ferry infrastructure is nearing the end of its useful life and must be upgraded to support the two new rail-enabled ferries and maintain service reliability.
Who is delivering the construction works? HEB Construction is delivering the marine and landside works, including demolition, piling, and the construction of the new wharf.
What types of construction activity will occur? Works include:
How will construction be managed? Construction is being carefully staged to allow port operations and ferry services to continue safely alongside the works.
What construction impacts can the public expect? Noise, vibration, and dust may occur during construction activities. This may include noise from piling, cranes and excavators, demolition works, and truck movements. Some marine works may also be noticeable at times, particularly for nearby areas.
These effects are temporary and will be managed safely in accordance with consent requirements, including monitoring where required.
How are these impacts being managed? Consistent with consent conditions and industry practice:
What visual impacts will there be? The construction site will include cranes, temporary structures, and active work areas. These are temporary and part of delivering long-term infrastructure improvements.
Will access around the port change? Yes. Some temporary changes to vehicle and pedestrian access routes may be required for safety, including areas around Waitohi Domain and the Auckland Street car park.
Any changes will be minimised where practicable and carefully managed to maintain safe access. During construction, there may be temporary changes to how people and vehicles move around the terminal area, consistent with the wider ferry programme.
Will construction affect local traffic? There may be increased truck movements and temporary traffic management near the port. Clear signage and controls will be in place.
Will ferry services continue? Yes. Maintaining ferry operations is a key priority. The project is staged to ensure continuity of services wherever possible.
Are other projects happening in Picton at the same time? Yes. There are several projects planned or underway in Picton, including KiwiRail’s Dublin Street Overbridge and NZTA’s Picton road network improvements.
The Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project is focused on upgrading port infrastructure. While these projects are being delivered separately, the agencies involved are working closely together to coordinate works and minimise disruption to the community.
How does construction interact with port operations? The port remains fully operational during construction. Works are carefully sequenced and coordinated to ensure safe separation between construction and operational activities in a live port environment.
How are port tenants and operators affected? There may be temporary changes within the port environment to support construction. These will be carefully managed in coordination with port operators and tenants.
Will construction impact private moorings? No. Construction activities are not expected to impact private moorings in Picton Harbour.
How are marine mammals being protected? During piling works, a qualified Marine Mammal Observer is on site each day, to watch for marine mammals in the area.
If marine mammals are seen within the defined safety area around the works (around 500m for whales and dolphins, and 100m for seals), piling may be delayed or paused. Works will only restart once it is safe to do so.
If you see marine mammals near the port, please contact [email protected].
What marine mammals may be present? Marine mammals include seals, dolphins and whales.
In Queen Charlotte Sound, some species live here year-round (such as dolphins and fur seals), while others pass through at different times of the year (such as whales). Occasionally, other species like orca may also be seen.
What happens if marine mammals are observed? If marine mammals enter the defined safety zone during marine construction:
How are birds being protected? Kororā (little blue penguins), Caspian terns and variable oystercatchers are protected through an Avian Management Plan.
What other environmental measures are in place? The project operates under approved resource consents covering:
How will the community be kept informed? Updates will be provided through:
If your community group or organisation would like to hear more about the project, we are happy to arrange a visit or presentation.
If you have any questions or feedback on the construction delivery, please contact us through email [email protected].
When will the new ferries and infrastructure be ready? The new ferries are expected to enter service from 2029, with infrastructure delivered progressively to support their arrival.
What will the completed project deliver? The redevelopment will provide:
These works will modernise the ferry berth and provide the infrastructure needed to support the next generation of ferries at Waitohi Picton, delivering long-term benefits for freight, passengers, and the Marlborough region.
