Aratere
With three separate viewing decks the Aratere (Quick Path) is a great way to cross the Cook Strait and soak up the Marlborough Sounds!
Areas on Aratere
With an eatery, bar, and dedicated lounge on Aratere, you'll never be short of entertainment and hospitality for your Cook Strait crossing!
Food court
Experience the seaside diner atmosphere, serving up delicious family-friendly meals and stunning views.
Bar
Bright, spacious and offering a selection of Aotearoa New Zealand's best wines and craft beers, the Island Bar is a great place to enjoy the journey!
Premium Lounge
The Premium Lounge is Aratere's private room reserved for passengers 18 years and over. It's undoubtedly the most comfortable and luxurious way to cross Te Moana o Raukawakawa Cook Strait.
Your ticket to the Premium Lounge includes spacious and comfortable seating, a complimentary buffet meal accompanied by your choice of regional New Zealand wine or craft beer. Our attentive Premium Lounge hosts will make sure you feel right at home during the journey.
Scenic viewing areas
When it comes to sitting in the sun and soaking up the incredible scenery, the outdoor spaces on Aratere cannot be beaten.
Aratere is the only Cook Strait ferry that has a viewing area at the bow on Deck 4.
For a more elevated view, you will find the viewing gantry located immediately above the bow viewing area.
Other facilities
Here are some of the other facilities available on Aratere to ensure your journey is as comfortable as possible
Cinema
Sit back, relax and enjoy a movie. A movie is a great way to pass the time, especially if you are prone to seasickness. Movies, including the latest releases, are chosen daily and tickets are available at Hector's Shop.
Hector's Shop
Take time to browse our gift shop which offers a selection of souvenirs and mementos of your journey. You'll also find a range of travel essentials, magazines, and activities and toys for children.
Family Area
Relax on the comfortable couches located between the children's Play Zone and Hector's Shop.
Play Zone
Specially designed for children aged 3 to 7 years, the children's Play Zone is a vibrant and active environment for the young ones to enjoy.
Children's Entertainers
If you're travelling in the New Zealand School holidays, you may find a magician, balloon artist or face painter onboard to give the kids a super fun experience.
Free Activity Books
Pick up a free activity book from Hector's Shop. It's packed full of activities and puzzles to keep the kids entertained.
Nursery
A nursery is available for those travelling with little ones.
Stay connected onboard with our free Wi-Fi.
You can use up to 500MB which is enough to check your emails, read the latest news and post on social media. If you want to watch a movie or your favourite TV show, download it before you come onboard.
You can even access free Wi-Fi in the terminals. You will need to set up an account the first time you use it.
Please note that the signal strength can be affected by weather, user volumes and distance from land-based cell towers.
Aratere has a dedicated outdoor smoking and vaping area near the middle of Deck 4. Smoking and vaping are not permitted anywhere else on the ship.
Aratere has a lift to take you from the vehicle deck to the main passenger area. There are hand rails and ramps onboard. There are accessible toilets - ask our crew for directions.