KiwiRail Interislander Ferry Terminal Wellington

Comfort, durability and performance at the point of departure.

The upgrade of the Interislander Ferry Terminal Lounge in Wellington forms part of a broader commitment to enhancing the passenger experience across one of New Zealand's most important transport connections. As a high-traffic public environment servicing constant passenger movement throughout the day, the space required interior finishes capable of balancing durability, comfort and long-term performance.

Interact Architects were engaged by KiwiRail and Interislander to deliver both a targeted refresh of the existing departures terminal and a new standalone baggage collection facility. According to Luke from Interact Architects, the design approach focused on "practicality and longevity", with materials carefully selected to support the operational demands of a busy transport hub while maintaining their appearance and functionality over time.

Advance Flooring was engaged to supply Kinetex®, an innovative textile composite flooring solution that aligned with both the practical requirements and design aspirations of the project.

A new generation of flooring for transport environments.

Within the departures terminal, flooring played a critical role in both performance and visual identity. The design team sought a solution capable of withstanding heavy daily use while contributing to a welcoming and contemporary passenger environment.

Working alongside Advance Flooring, Interact Architects selected Kinetex® for its proven durability, acoustic benefits and design versatility. Subtle blue tones were incorporated throughout the flooring palette to reinforce Interislander's brand identity and create a cohesive visual experience across the space.

Kinetex is ideal for high‑traffic transport spaces.

With both the departures terminal and baggage collection facility expected to accommodate significant daily foot traffic, durability and long-term resilience were key considerations in the specification process.

Kinetex was selected for its ability to deliver exceptional wear performance without compromising on aesthetics. Its extensive range of colourways provided the design flexibility needed to achieve the project's visual objectives while meeting demanding operational requirements.

The textile composite construction has been independently tested to withstand millions of foot passes, providing outstanding dimensional stability without crushing or matting. Kinetex also offers excellent acoustic performance, helping to reduce ambient noise within busy public environments. Its low moisture absorption and rapid drying characteristics make it particularly well suited to transport facilities exposed to wet weather, rolling luggage and frequent cleaning regimes.

Delivering lasting performance and passenger comfort.

The completed Interislander terminal upgrade delivers a durable, welcoming and highly functional environment that successfully balances passenger comfort with operational performance. The selected flooring contributes to both the visual identity and day-to-day functionality of the space, providing long-term durability while enhancing the overall travel experience.

Reflecting on the completed project, Luke describes the outcome as "A highly successful outcome, with the selected materials delivering both strong visual impact and durable performance across the spaces. We’re very pleased with how everything has come together, and most importantly, the client is extremely happy with the results of both projects."

The project demonstrates how carefully specified flooring can contribute to the longevity, functionality and overall success of high-traffic transport environments.