Thermal drone imagery has shown the moment the stricken ferry Aratere was pulled from the shore after nearly 24 hours grounded.
The Interislander ferry ran aground about 10pm Friday due to an apparent steering failure on a freight-only sailing.
None of the 47 people on board - eight truck drivers and 39 crew - were injured.
Aratere was refloated on Saturday night on the high tide.
Port Marlborough tugs Maungatea and Monowai pull the Aratere from the shore. Photo: Supplied/Skyworks
KiwiRail chief executive Peter Reidy earlier said ballast was drained from the ship and other weight transferred to raise the bow.
"(Port Marlborough) tugs were then able to rock the vessel away from the shore."
The ship's own engines were used to propel it into deeper water.
The thermal drone imagery, shot by Skyworks, showed the Aratere moving smoothly away from the shore, while tugs Maungatea and Monowai pulled from the stern.
Marlborough mayor Nadine Taylor said the refloating was a team effort.
The Aratere limps home to dock in Picton on Sunday evening. Photo: Stuff/Maia Hart
"The speed of the response on site on Friday night is to be commended and many stayed throughout the night to assist," she said.
"Council has particularly appreciated the close working relationship with Port Marlborough as part of the response effort and the use of the two tugs that proved they really could - the Maungatea and Monowai.
"This response was a team effort of professional and capable mariners and emergency responders who have achieved a wonderful outcome."
The Aratere returned to its berth in Picton on Sunday evening.
Taylor said the council would continue to work with KiwiRail, Port Marlborough and Maritime NZ on the next steps.
"Oil spill booms will be placed around the Aratere once docked as a precautionary measure to ensure any environmental risk is mitigated," she said.
"Once the immediate response is over, council's coastal scientists will also conduct environmental surveys to assess any impact to the site."
