Power restored to stricken ferry

The Interislander Kaitaki ferry is heading for the safety of Wellington Harbour with 800 passengers on board after power was restored.

Tugboats are accompanying the ferry, as it makes its way towards the Kaiwharawhara ferry terminal with around 800 passengers and 80 crew on board.

A mayday call went out after the 2.15pm sailing of Kaitaki from Picton temporarily lost propulsion power near the end of its journey to Wellington.

KiwiRail Chief Executive Peter Reid says the Kaitaki is moving slowly and that, as a precaution, people onboard were wearing life jackets.

"The vessel is moving under its own power but is being accompanied by tugboats as a precaution, " he says.

"The vessel is travelling slowly, so will take time to reach the wharf. It is currently expected to arrive at Kaiwharawhara shortly after 9pm this evening."

There are no reports of any injuries on board.