The Aratere Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
Interislander's soon-to-be-retired Aratere ferry is taking a different route through the Marlborough Sounds "as a precaution".
The Cook Strait ferry, which is owned by state-owned-enterprise KiwiRail, was spotted using the northern entrance to the Marlborough Sounds on Thursday night.
"Shortly after 6pm on Thursday evening Aratere's master made the decision to take the northern entrance to the Marlborough Sounds rather than the narrow Tory Channel as a precaution," a KiwiRail spokesperson said.
"An alarm had indicated a possible technical issue which was quickly assessed and resolved."
The spokesperson said further testing had revealed no issues with the system in question.
"Aratere is sailing as usual, however, it will continue to use the northern entrance today."
Aratere is expected to be retired in August.
The new ferry sails into Wellington harbour. Photo: RNZ / Samuel Rillstone
On Thursday scores of people braved miserable weather to watch as StraitNZ Bluebridge's new Cook Strait ferry Livia arrived at Oriental Bay.
Its first sailing is expected to be on 23 July.
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