Interislander links the islands for Te Araroa walkers
Becoming a sponsor of the Te Araroa Trail was a natural step for Interislander. This new partnership reinforces our commitment to connecting travellers across Cook Strait and celebrating outstanding Kiwi experiences.
As part of the sponsorship, the Cook Strait section of Te Araroa is officially named The Interislander Connection, recognising the affordable and scenic link we provide between the North and South Islands. When cruising between the islands on our ferries, walkers get a well-deserved opportunity to relax and recharge.
About Te Araroa Trail
Covering 3,039 kilometres from Te Rerenga Wairua (Cape Reinga) in the north to Motupōhue (Bluff) in the south, Te Araroa is one of the world’s most diverse long-distance walking trails. The trail attracts around 3,000 full-length walkers annually, mostly from overseas. It also hosts more than 300,000 New Zealanders every year on shorter sections of the trail. For many walkers, the journey represents a life-changing adventure through some of Aotearoa’s most breathtaking and varied terrain.
Te Araroa walkers spend an estimated 400,000 visitor nights annually, contributing significantly to the local economy. Their journey spans coastal tracks, alpine passes and urban pathways. The seamless connection across Te Moana o Raukawa (Cook Strait) is where Interislander plays a key role.
Image credits: Carmen Harji - Stag Saddle, Lake Tekapo; Paul Rose - Queen Charlotte Track; Jonny Hendrikus, Escarpment Track, Paekakariki.
How Interislander supports Te Araroa
As the official ferry service connecting Te Araroa's North and South Island sections, Interislander provides walkers with a comfortable, enjoyable journey across Cook Strait. Key elements of our sponsorship include:
- Discounted travel: Registered Te Araroa walkers receive a 15% discount on fares for The Interislander Connection. When walkers register for Te Araroa, they get a promo code to use when they book their ferry crossing.
- Promotional support: Interislander is featured in the Te Araroa Trust app and materials, helping walkers plan an easy transition between islands.
- Trail branding: We celebrate the trail on board our ferries with engaging photo boards and digital screens, sharing the beauty of Te Araroa with passengers and planting the idea of hitting the trail one day.
- Sustainability alignment: By supporting Te Araroa, we reinforce our commitment to preserving New Zealand’s environment and promoting sustainable travel.