Successful launch for new Auckland ferry Torea in Whanganui

New Auckland to Waiheke Fullers ferry, Torea, has been launched in Whanganui.

After a blessing this morning, the boat slipped into the Whanganui River just before high tide, which was due at 11.30am.

It would undergo engine commissioning trials and remain off the coast of Whanganui for about two weeks before Fullers took it over.

A sister boat to Korora, the boat was constructed by Whanganui's Q-West boatbuilders, which also built Te Kotuku for Fullers in 2014.

Torea can carry 400 passengers and is propeller-powered by two Cummins 50L, 1800 horsepower diesel engines.

It has an operational speed of 24 knots.

Q-West general manager Colin Mitchell said four vessels are under construction as the yard, employing about 65 people.

"Our own staff is around 30, so the whole town really got in behind this."

Q-West's slipway had to be dredged to allow the new boat into the water.