A large cargo ship in a body of water

WELCOME TO UNION STEAM SHIP COMPANY OF NEW ZEALAND

Connecting New Zealand by Sea

Pioneering maritime services since 1875 with iconic vessels.

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Iconic Ferry Services

Inter-island routes between Wellington and Lyttelton/Picton.

Trans-Tasman trade with modern turbine-powered vessels.

Discover our historical fleet and services today.

Pioneering Services
Cultural Maritime Icons

Our Legacy in Shipping Excellence

Founded in 1875, we are New Zealand's premier shipping company, offering vital inter-island ferry services and trans-Tasman trade routes with a rich history and iconic vessels.

A large ferry is docked at a port with a lighthouse in the foreground. The ferry is white with red accents and several windows, labeled 'Spirit of Tasmania.' There is a clear blue sky with some clouds above, and the sunlight casts a warm glow over the scene.
A large ferry is docked at a port with a lighthouse in the foreground. The ferry is white with red accents and several windows, labeled 'Spirit of Tasmania.' There is a clear blue sky with some clouds above, and the sunlight casts a warm glow over the scene.

150+

15

Trusted by Many

Cultural Icons

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Reliable Ferry Services

Connecting New Zealand's islands with modern, iconic vessels for seamless travel and trade.

Trans-Tasman Shipping
A large ferry with a prominent yellow and black color scheme is docked at a pier. The number 11880 is clearly visible on the side of the vessel, along with several windows and lifeboats on the upper deck. The water in the harbor is calm, with a mountainous landscape visible in the distance under a clear sky.
A large ferry with a prominent yellow and black color scheme is docked at a pier. The number 11880 is clearly visible on the side of the vessel, along with several windows and lifeboats on the upper deck. The water in the harbor is calm, with a mountainous landscape visible in the distance under a clear sky.

Experience our larger turbine-powered vessels for efficient trans-Tasman trade and travel.

A passenger ferry is sailing on clear blue waters with a backdrop of a mountainous coastline under a partly cloudy sky. The ferry is painted in blue and white, with black tires attached to its sides and a red lower hull.
A passenger ferry is sailing on clear blue waters with a backdrop of a mountainous coastline under a partly cloudy sky. The ferry is painted in blue and white, with black tires attached to its sides and a red lower hull.
A ferry glides through calm waters, creating waves behind it. The vessel has two decks with seating areas, and is adorned with red trim accents. Dense green hills surround the body of water, with scattered small houses along the hillside.
A ferry glides through calm waters, creating waves behind it. The vessel has two decks with seating areas, and is adorned with red trim accents. Dense green hills surround the body of water, with scattered small houses along the hillside.
Coastal Trade Routes

We offer key inter-island ferry services, enhancing connectivity between Wellington and Picton.

Cultural Icons of New Zealand

Explore our historic vessels, including Maori, Wahine, and Hinemoa, celebrated in New Zealand.

Cultural Icons

Explore our rich maritime history and iconic ferry services.

A large, yellow ferry named 'Bounty Cruises' sails on a clear blue sea, with a shoreline visible in the background. The water is calm and other small boats are seen nearby. The horizon shows a mix of vibrant greenery and buildings along the coastline.
A large, yellow ferry named 'Bounty Cruises' sails on a clear blue sea, with a shoreline visible in the background. The water is calm and other small boats are seen nearby. The horizon shows a mix of vibrant greenery and buildings along the coastline.
A ferry boat is navigating through a body of water with its hull painted in blue and white with a red stripe. The green and yellow flag on the stern flutters in the breeze. Several passengers are visible through the windows. The sky is partly cloudy, and the water is slightly choppy. Another boat can be seen in the distance.
A ferry boat is navigating through a body of water with its hull painted in blue and white with a red stripe. The green and yellow flag on the stern flutters in the breeze. Several passengers are visible through the windows. The sky is partly cloudy, and the water is slightly choppy. Another boat can be seen in the distance.
A large ferry with a white hull and yellow upper deck navigates through calm, blue ocean waters under a clear sky. The name 'FRED OLSEN Express' is visible on the side of the vessel.
A large ferry with a white hull and yellow upper deck navigates through calm, blue ocean waters under a clear sky. The name 'FRED OLSEN Express' is visible on the side of the vessel.
A yellow-green ferry named 'Borrowdale' is docked in a harbor, with clear blue water. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline are visible in the background. The sky is bright and cloudless, capturing a vibrant and sunny day.
A yellow-green ferry named 'Borrowdale' is docked in a harbor, with clear blue water. The Sydney Harbour Bridge and city skyline are visible in the background. The sky is bright and cloudless, capturing a vibrant and sunny day.

Contact Us

A large passenger ferry is navigating through a body of water, accompanied by a smaller motorboat in the foreground. The ferry is predominantly white with red and black accents, and has several orange lifeboats mounted on its side. It is cruising near a forested landscape with hills in the background under a cloudy sky.
A large passenger ferry is navigating through a body of water, accompanied by a smaller motorboat in the foreground. The ferry is predominantly white with red and black accents, and has several orange lifeboats mounted on its side. It is cruising near a forested landscape with hills in the background under a cloudy sky.

For inquiries about our services, please reach out to us. We value your feedback and questions.

Heritage

Connecting New Zealand with iconic ferry services.

Contact us

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info@unionsteamship.org

+ 64 9 9779943

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