New Zealand's Interislander ferry runs aground PHOTO

A ferry servicing the Cook Strait between New Zealand's North and South Islands has run aground in a late-night accident.

The Aratere ship, part of the state-owned Interislander fleet, veered into a cliff-face just north of its departure harbour of Picton about 9.45pm on June 21, The Canberra Times reports.

Peter Reidy, chief executive of owner Kiwirail, said the Aratere nestled into sand - rather than rocks - at around three knots.

An unnamed truck driver aboard told news outlet Stuff the crash was "as gentle as could be".

Interislander general manager Duncan Roy said there were no injuries and the vessel remained watertight.

The 47 crew and drivers spent the night on board the vessel, which has power and supplies.

Plans to refloat the ship at high tide at about 9.330am on June 22 were abandoned with a fresh effort to take place at the next high water mark after nightfall.