Arahura ZMBS

David Hopgood, Radio Officer aboard the inter-island ferry Arahura in the 1980s
David Hopgood, Radio Officer aboard the inter-island ferry Arahura in the 1980s

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.

New Zealand Railways ferry Arahura
Arahura

Gross tonnage: 13,621
Builder: Aalborg Vaerft A/S, Denmark
Entered service: 1983
Finished service: 2015
Scrapped: 2015
More information

Tony Graham, an operator at Auckland Radio ZLD, visiting aboard Arahura ZMBS in January 1983
Tony Graham, an operator at Auckland Radio ZLD, visiting aboard Arahura ZMBS in January 1983. Photo: Tony Graham
Radio Officer David Hopgood aboard Arahura in 1995 as the days of seafaring radio operators came to an end
Radio Officer David Hopgood aboard Arahura in 1995 as the days of seafaring radio operators came to an end. Photo: Marlborough Express

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

1986 radio licence for Arahura ZMBS
1986 radio licence for Arahura ZMBS. Click to enlarge.
1992 radio licence for Arahura ZMBS
1992 radio licence for Arahura ZMBS

Read more about New Zealand’s rail ferries at nzmaritime.co.nz.