MV Aratika was a roll-on/roll-off train ferry that operated on the Interislander between Wellington and Picton in New Zealand from 1974 until 1999.
Aratika is a Māori-language word meaning direct path.
History Aratika was built by Chantiers Dubigeon in France for the New Zealand Railways Department to operate between Wellington and Picton.Fourth Ferry on Order Network June 1971 page 1 She was built to carry rail freight only.New ferry to be rail only Rails September 1973 page 14 Launched in November 1973, the ship arrived in Wellington in June 1974.Fourth NZ rail ferry launched Network December 1973 page 1Aratika launching Rails January 1974 page 15Fourth ferry here Rails August 1974 page 11
In 1976 she was converted by Hongkong United Dockyards to carry passengers and private vehicles as well as railway wagons.Down to the Sea in Trains Network March 1976 page 4 This increased her weight by 800 tonnes, passenger capacity from 10 to 840, and the car space from four to 70.Rail Ferry to carry Passengers New Zealand Railway Observer issue 148 Summer 1976 pages 162/163Rebuilt Aratika back in service Rails May 1977 page 15
During her 25 years of service, the vessel completed 27,265 crossings and traveled an overall distance of .
In 1999, she was sold to MBRS Lines in the Philippines and served as MV Virgin Mary until 2008, when she was sold to Indian ship-breakers.
References
External links
Aratika at New Zealand Maritime Record