Skip to main content
Start of main content

Inter-Island Resilient Connection Project

Helping KiwiRail expand their facilities to allow for massive new ferries

  • 652

    Maximum Car Capacity

  • 1,910

    People Capacity

  • $1.5B

    Estimated Cost

  • Wellington, New Zealand

    Wellington, New Zealand

Keeping New Zealand’s islands connected with rail-enabled ferries

KiwiRail operates the Interislander ferry service between the North and South islands of New Zealand. As part of a fleet renewal program, they have procured two new rail-enabled ferries that will be arriving in 2025 and 2026. As these ferries are much larger than any of the vessels in the current fleet, the terminals will also need to be upgraded—our team was there to help.

Rather than retrofit the existing structures, KiwiRail made the decision to build brand new facilities. We were commissioned to provide input to the design of the terminals—initially alongside the architect, and then directly for KiwiRail. As the two new ferries are 30 percent larger than any of the vessels currently plying the Cook Strait, the terminal upgrade was required to accommodate these vessels but also to provide a higher standard of terminal facility for the many users of the service. Our team provided several services, including transport modeling (traffic and pedestrian), terminal planning, traffic engineering, and input to the consenting process.

Upon completion this project will provide an improvement in both capacity and service for the Interislander ferry. It will generate jobs and stimulate the tourist economy on both islands.

At a Glance

Offices
Client
  • KiwiRail

We’re better together

  • Become a client

    Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.

  • Design your career

    Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.

End of main content
To top