The Interislander isn't sailing off just yet

It’s been a year and a half since the Interislander ran aground on what is normally a routine trip. While it’s had these mishaps in the past, it is still seen as one of the best ways to see the beauty of both the North and South Islands. 

Whether it’s tourists seeing it for the first time or a local taking the trip for the third time this week, the beauty of the views doesn’t wear off. MetroNews reporters recently took the ferry to reach Wellington for the recent Wellington Phoenix vs Aukland FC football game. During the three-hour trip, they spoke to other passengers about the ship.

One of the passengers, a businessman from Wellington, takes the ferry multiple times a week.

“It’s a great way to travel. You can get a bite to eat, enjoy the scenery and work in silence. Its been ages since my first time on the ship and I always make sure to put my laptop down for a bit so I can see the scenery.”

For another passenger, it was their first time on the Interislander or any kind of boat. He had seen the news about the delays and crashes that had happened in the past. This did make him a bit fearful.

“Who wouldn’t be scared that the ship could crash or be delayed after what’s been in the news over the past year? Now that I’m on the ship though I feel a bit more at ease. Getting to see a part of Aotearoa that I’ve never seen? It’s all I’m focused on now.”

On the Interislander website, it reads that one of the main pulls for people to use their service is the view. Tourists on road trips across the country can keep the beautiful scenery going. It’s a service used and enjoyed by newcomers and veterans of the Interislander. Even if the issues in the past can scare some away, it doesn’t stop everyone from taking a trip that’s been running for over 60 years.