Wellington Harbour Ferries
Wellington Harbour Ferries provide services between Queens Wharf and Days Bay (QDF) and services for trips to Mātiu/Somes Island (MIF).
Time tables, opening hours and information about bookings are available on the East by West website.
There are limitations to ferry access for passengers using mobility aids or requiring assistance. Please phone East By West ferries on 04 499 1282 or email info@eastbywest.co.nz before travelling.
Bikes and dogs on leads are permitted on the ferry between Queens Wharf and Days Bay (QDF), but must remain on the upper deck.
From 1 May 2025, cash payments are no longer available, and the harbour ferries will only accept credit or debit card payments for ticket purchases.
This change will help us provide faster, safer, and more convenient services for all passengers.
Tickets for the Queens Wharf - Days Bay (QDF) ferry can be purchased from the East By West ticket office on Queens Wharf or onboard our ferries.
Bookings are required for trips to Mātiu/Somes Island on the Māitu Island (MIF) ferry and you can book trips through East by West’s website.(external link)
Payments using a credit card or a contactless debit card, will incur a 1.5% bank surcharge fee.
If you have any questions or need assistance, our staff are here to help. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Queens Wharf to Days Bay
Tickets can be purchased from the ticket office at Queens Wharf or on board. Ferries only accept credit or debit card payments for ticket purchases.
- Children under 5 travel free.
- SuperGold cardholders travel free during off-peak hours but still need to collect a ticket from the ticket office if it is open or from the on-board staff.
- Child fares are 50% of adult fares and apply to all school aged children entitled to Metlink Child Concession.
- Accessible fares are 50% of adult fares for passengers entitled to the Metlink Accessible Concession.
- 'Connect' tickets are issued for passengers entitled to either ‘Accessible’ concession or passengers with a valid Community Services Card (CSC) and are 50% of adult fares.
- Tertiary 10-trip ticket fare is 25% of adult 10-trip ticket fare for passengers entitled to Metlink Tertiary Concession.
- 10-trip tickets cannot be used for more than 2 people at a time.
Fares from July 1 2025
| Ticket type | Adult | Child | Accessible | Tertiary | Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
One-way |
$16.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 | N/A | $8.00 |
10-trip |
$107.00 | $53.50 | $53.50 | $80.00 | $53.50 |
Mātiu/Somes Island
Matiu/Somes Island is a scientific and historic reserve administered by the Kaitiaki Board and managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
- Pets and Bicycles are not permitted on the island (pushchairs are allowed)
- Visitor numbers are limited to protect the island's special species and plants.
- You will go through a bio-security check on board.
Bookings are required for trips to Mātiu/Somes Island and you can book trips through East by West’s website.(external link)
Every passenger visiting Mātiu/Somes Island (including Supergold card holders but excluding those under 5 years old) will need to pay a $6 visitor fee. This is passed onto DOC and the island’s Kaitiaki Board, and used for the revitalisation of infrastructure and cultural assets on Mātiu/Somes Island.
A $2 online booking fee applies for Mātiu/Somes Island sailings through the East by West website, with applicable concession discount to passengers entitled to a Metlink concession.
This visitor fee and online booking fee will be charged at the time of booking through the online booking system in addition to the ticket price.
Fares from July 1 2025
| Ticket type | Adult | Child | Accessible | Tertiary | Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return | $40.00 | $23.00 | $23.00 | N/A | $23.00 |
*these prices include the $6 visitor fee and $2 online booking fee.
The $6 visitor fee applies to SuperGold card holders.
Under 5 year old children travel free.
Last published: Tuesday, 1 July 2025 at 6:00 am