What, When, Where

Project milestones

The marine infrastructure work at Kaiwharawhara will be delivered in stages aligned with the wider Cook Strait Ferry Replacement Programme being delivered by Ferry Holdings Ltd. The table below outlines what is expected to happen through to 2029. Further down the page we have more information on what we've done so far.

 

Stage

Focus

Activity

Timing

One

Initiation

Initial site preparation

Preliminary Design & Consents submitted

October 2025 -

mid 2026

Two

Detailed Design

Initial detailed design work completed

Detailed design underway

Site preparation continues

Construction staging wharves created

Marine mammal management (kororā)

Early piling work begins

Construction site office set up at Interislander
site

We are here

Three

Major construction

Removal of redundant structures completed

Detailed design complete

Existing dock wharf work undertaken

Wharf extension progresses

Piling Work completed

Walkway and Linkspan designed and installed

 

 

Late 2026 - end 2028

Four

Commissioning

New ferry infrastructure work completed

Move to operational commissioning support

2029

 

Please note that while work will be delivered in stages, work is progressing at pace and there will be an overlap between stages.

Where have we got to?

Early Works

It may or may not be noticeable, but there's been plenty already done for the project at Kaiwharawhara. The priority has been preparing the ferry project site for construction through early/enabling works. This includes:

  • Ground investigations
  • Relocation of services
  • Removal of old structures (disused linkspans and piles)
  • Temporary staging infrastructure to support construction at main project site
  • Early procurement of long lead materials to start piling work

 

Site Preparation

As we move closer to major construction at Kaiwharawhara, we will continue to focus on removing existing infrastructure that is no longer required.

Given the need to keep the Interislander ferries running without disruption we are doing more preparation work so we can work effectively in what is a very small area. This means some juggling of how the site will function while still maintaining ferry operations and preparation activity. We're working closely with KiwiRail / Interislander staff so modifications to the ferry terminal area is understood and there is a construction site premises near the work.

Barges and staging wharves will become even more important, especially as equipment arrives on site in readiness for major works. Piling is also a key feature that starts now, a critical component that underpins all the work ahead.

 

Interisland Wharf   June 2026 Web Res 12

This photo is from June 2026 and shows piles awaiting removal