Kiwirail is bringing back the Stena Alegra for its Cook Strait ferry run, but under a different name.
The ship will now be called the Kaiarahi, which means "guide", and it will replace the Arahura on the route between Wellington and Picton.
The ship is expected to arrive in New Zealand waters in August, and following sea trials will begin the Cook Strait run.
When the ship was known at the Stena Alegra it broke down in Wellington Harbour with engine problems in January last year, and later hit a wharf while berthing,
Kiwirail said she had undergone a major refit.