We are currently experiencing significant disruption to Cook Strait ferry services, impacting freight movements across both networks.

Interislander & Bluebridge Cancellations
Both Interislander and Bluebridge have cancelled multiple sailings in recent days due to operational constraints, weather impacts, and vessel availability. These disruptions are creating ongoing delays and reduced capacity across the Strait with the impact set to continue until Saturday 27 June.

Vessel Maintenance Impact
Network pressure is being further compounded by planned maintenance across the Interislander fleet:

• Kaiārahi – undergoing wet dock maintenance from 22 June to 13 July 2026
• Kaitaki – scheduled for dry dock maintenance from 18 July to 26 September 2026

During this period, Interislander is operating a reduced one-ship timetable, significantly limiting available freight capacity across Cook Strait.

Freight Impacts
As a result:

• Freight space is extremely constrained
• Delays of 2–5+ days are being experienced in some cases
• Priority is being given to essential and time-critical freight
• Rescheduling and rollovers are occurring across both ferry operators

What This Means for You

• Allow additional lead time for all inter-island freight
• Expect delays and ongoing schedule changes
• Send freight as early as possible
• Consider alternative options for urgent freight where feasible