The latest addition to Interislander family has finally arrived in Wellington under a grey sky and after a two-week journey from Singapore.
The Kaiarahi, formerly the Stena Alegra, was formally welcomed with a dawn ceremony and a blessing from local iwi.
Its arrival marks the transition from the 31-year-old Arahura which had been plagued with problems.
The Spanish-built ship was initially brought in as a temporary replacement to the Aratere while it was sent away to be dry docked for repairs.
Kiwirail bosses are confident their new ferry won't be haunted by the problems that plagued it the last time it was in Wellington.
In its former life as the Stena Alegra the ship broke down in its first week of service and suffered a gash in its hull when it hit a Wellington wharf in 2013.
But Kiwirail chief executive Peter Reidy says the refit has brought the ferry up to scratch.
After a new coat of paint and full re-fit in Singapore, the Kaiarahi will begin service around mid-October.
The Kaiarahi is 180m long, considerably bigger than its predecessor which was 139m long.
Its name means leadership and its metaphorical meaning is guardian or to guide.
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