Further Interislander ferry frustrations

Interisland ferry Kaitaki was delayed for four hours this morning after an electrical fault. Photo / supplied

Strife has struck all three Interislander ferries today, further adding to KiwiRail's woes.

Maritime New Zealand (MNZ) last Wednesday ordered the Aratere ferry to stop operating after a series of problems. It has resumed freight sailings but remains off-limits to passengers.

Adding to that, the Kaitaki's 8.25am sailing from Wellington to Picton was delayed by more than four hours after an electrical fault this morning, and the Arahura was delayed by a power cut at the Interislander's Wellington terminal.

A KiwiRail spokeswoman told APNZ the Kaitaki's fire detection system was "not working as it should be", forcing the delay while it was fixed. It finally sailed at 12.45pm.

"There was a power outage at Wellington port this morning, which then delayed the Arahura, which left an hour late," a spokeswoman said.

"Obviously we can't help a power outage."

KiwiRail had expected the Aratere to resume passenger sailings tomorrow but that would not happen, and it was not known when it would.

"We're working with MNZ to get a couple of other (issues) resolved," she said.

"Our Interislander staff have already been in contact with (passengers booked for tomorrow) and made alternative arrangements for them.

"Whenever somebody makes a booking on an Interislander ferry, we get their contact details just in case things like this happen."

She was not sure whether people booked for Wednesday had been contacted and rebooked on other services.