Sailing between Wellington and Picton, Arahura – ZMBS became the fastest inter-island ferry, with a service speed of 19 knots.
In 1986, she played an important role in rescuing survivors following the sinking of the Russian cruise ship Mikhail Lermontov.
Gross tonnage: 13,621
Builder: Aalborg Vaerft A/S, Denmark
Entered service: 1983
Finished service: 2015
Scrapped: 2015
More information
Arahura’s final sailing an emotional voyage for many passengers
Audio recordings on 500 kHz from 1993
Arahura ZMBS reports departing Wellington (“QTO WN”) to Wellington Radio ZLW
Arahura ZMBS reports arrival at Picton (“QTP PN”) to Wellington Radio ZLW
Audio courtesy: Roger Wincer
Read more about New Zealand’s rail ferries at nzmaritime.co.nz.