Physical works on the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment Project are now underway, with demolition of the old Vehicle Access Bridge commencing this week in Picton. The start of demolition marks a decisive transition from planning to delivery on one of New Zealand’s most significant pieces of national transport infrastructure and confirms Waitohi Picton as the long-term home of New Zealand’s inter-island ferry connection.

The Vehicle Access Bridge, a 250-metre concrete and steel structure that has served Cook Strait travellers for decades, is being dismantled by Port Marlborough contractor HEB Construction. The bridge was last used by vehicles accessing Interislander ferries prior to the retirement of Aratere in 2025 and its removal signals the clearing of legacy infrastructure to make way for modern, rail-enabled ferry facilities designed to meet New Zealand’s future transport needs.

Each of the bridge’s eight spans weighs close to 200 tonnes and is being removed using two cranes lifting in tandem. Once on the ground, the spans are cut into smaller sections, transported off site and processed for reuse, with approximately 90 percent of the material diverted from landfill and recycled into aggregate, aligning with and exceeding Port Marlborough’s sustainability targets.

Port Marlborough Chief Executive Rhys Welbourn says the commencement of demolition is a clear and unambiguous signal that the Waitohi Ferry Redevelopment is no longer theoretical, but actively underway.

“This week marks a turning point. We are now seeing physical change on the ground.” Mr Welbourn said. “This work clearly demonstrates the shared commitment of all project partners to advance the redevelopment, with investment locked in and the redevelopment happening now here in Marlborough.”

Mr Welbourn says Picton’s role as the gateway between the North and South Islands is grounded in geography, history and function, and that the redevelopment builds on generations of investment and experience moving people and freight through Cook Strait.

“Waitohi Picton has connected New Zealand for generations. Those who first established the port here understood the logic of place, and this redevelopment reinforces that thinking with modern infrastructure that sits directly on State Highway 1 and the national rail network.

What matters now is building resilient, efficient connections for the country, not chasing unproven ideas elsewhere.”

He says the project also represents a clear public value proposition, with investment delivering benefits locally and nationally.

“This is nationally critical infrastructure being delivered by a port committed to delivering results for its community. The money spent here is not only for national benefit - it also circulates through Marlborough, supports local jobs and capability, and ultimately delivers returns to ratepayers.

That is a very different outcome to infrastructure designed to serve private interests. This project delivers enduring value to the nation, while ensuring our community and regional towns share directly in the benefits.”

Following removal of the Vehicle Access Bridge, demolition of the existing linkspan at No.2 Long Arm Wharf will begin, clearing the site for construction of a new wharf and modern ferry interface capable of supporting the next generation of rail-enabled vessels.

Port Marlborough continues to work closely with Ferry Holdings, KiwiRail, port customers and technical partners to stage the works within a fully operational port environment, ensuring continuity of service, safety and environmental care throughout the build programme.

“This is complex work in a live port, and we are managing it carefully and deliberately,” Mr Welbourn said. “What is important is that we are now in motion. Demolition is underway, momentum is building, and Marlborough is getting on with delivering infrastructure that New Zealand relies on.” 

“This project underpins New Zealand’s freight, passenger and supply chain resilience. With work now underway, there is no ambiguity about where the future of inter-island connectivity is being delivered. Marlborough is moving, and we are getting on with the job.”