Ferry passengers on an Interislander vessel have been told they will be able to leave Wellington - almost 12 hours after they first boarded.
The Interislander ferry, Kaitaki. Photo: Supplied / KiwiRail
Five-hundred and 28 passengers due to leave on the Kaitaki just after 8am this morning could not depart, after minor damage to the door at the bow of the ship and the linkspan, which is used to load and unload vehicles.
The linkspan has since been fixed but the bow door is still being repaired.
A sailing last night was also cancelled due to an issue with one of the boat's propellers.
One woman, travelling with a one-year-old, was scheduled to be on that sailing but had to find accommodation, which she said the Interislander had refused to reimburse her for.
She has been stuck at the dock in Wellington all day because her car could not be unloaded and was frustrated she would have to fork out for another nights accommodation as she made her way to Invercargill.
The Kaiarahi, from Picton, was supposed to dock in Wellington at 11.30am, but was unable to because of the Kaitaki blocking the way.
It has been sitting in Wellington harbour since then.
A KiwiRail spokesperson confirmed that after Kaiarahi docked, passengers from the Kaitaki would will be able to board it.
The Kaitaki is expected to resume sailing tomorrow.