Wellington Harbour Ferry
The Wellington Harbour Ferry (QDF) ferry operates seven days a week, running between Days Bay and Queens Wharf in central Wellington, with some services also travelling to Mātiu/Somes Island.
Passengers travelling between Days Bay and Queens Wharf can purchase tickets either at the Queens Wharf ticket office or on board the ferry, with payment accepted by EFTPOS, contactless cards, or credit cards.
Passengers wishing to visit Mātiu/Somes Island must book their tickets in advance, which can be done online through the East by West Ferries website at eastbywest.co.nz(external link).
Please see detailed information about tickets and fares when travelling on the ferry below.
Address
Meridian Building (Waterside)(external link)
55 Lady Elizabeth Lane, Queens Wharf, Wellington
Opening hours:
9am - 3pm on weekdays for ticket sales and closed weekends during winter.
Bike bookings are now required on the ferry for trips between Queens Wharf and Days Bay.
In response to increased demand for carrying bikes on certain sailings, East by West now require bikes to be booked in through their booking system. Please see more information below.
Travelling between Days Bay and Queens Wharf
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.
Dogs on leads are permitted on the ferry between Queens Wharf and Days Bay, but must remain on the upper deck.
In response to increased demand for carrying bikes on certain sailings, East by West now require bikes to be booked in through their booking system. Please see more information below.
Bike bookings
In response to increased demand for carrying bikes on certain sailings, East by West now require bikes to be booked in through their booking system.
Bikes must be booked for departures between 10am and 3:30pm Monday - Friday and all day weekends and public holidays.
Cost
There is no charge for booking bikes but they will prioritise anyone with a booking first and then allow additional bikes on if space allows.
If the booking system shows that bike spaces are full for a specific sailing, you can join the waitlist and they will let you know if space becomes available.
Additional information
To support safe and timely travel with a bike:
- Make a booking in advance to secure your spot.
- Be at the wharf ready to board at least 10 minutes before the timetabled departure time. An early arrival helps the crew to plan and leave on time.
- Load and unload your own bike from the ferry or with help from a companion. The crew are not always able to assist with manual handling.
- Load and unload your bike on gangways only and store them on the top deck. Please keep bikes out of internal stairways.
Tandem and cargo bikes are too big to board and stow on the ferries, so cannot be taken onboard.
SuperGold Card Concession
- SuperGold cardholders(external link) travel free between 9am - 3pm and after 6.30pm Monday - Friday and all day weekends and public holidays (off-peak hours(external link)).
- SuperGold card holders still need collect a ticket from the ticket office if it is open or from the on-board staff.
Child Concession
- Children under 5 travel free.
- Child fares are 50% of adult fares and apply to all school aged children entitled to Metlink Child Concession.
- High school students will need to present high school ID to staff on-board the ferry.
Accessible Concession (Total Mobility cardholders and Blind Low Vision members)
- Accessible fares are 50% of adult fares for passengers entitled to the Metlink Accessible concession.
- Passengers must present their Te Hunga Whaikaha Total Mobility card or Blind Low Vision NZ membership card to staff on-board the ferry.
- One carer travels for free with the passenger using an accessible concession.
Community Connect Concession
- Connect fares are 50% of adult fares for passengers entitled to the Metlink Community Connect concession with a Community Services Card (CSC).
- Passengers must present a valid Community Services Card to staff on-board the ferry.
Tertiary Concession
- Tertiary 10-trip ticket fare is 25% of adult 10-trip ticket fare for passengers entitled to Metlink Tertiary Concession.
- Passengers must present a valid Student ID card to staff on-board the ferry.
Travelling to Mātiu/Somes Island
Mātiu/Somes Island is a scientific and historic reserve governed by the Kaitiaki Board and managed by the Department of Conservation (DOC).
All passengers will undertake their own bag checks onboard the ferry after departing Days Bay and then will go through the Whare Manuhiri (bio-security hut) before being allowed to explore the island.
More information will be provided to you in your booking confirmation, please make sure you read this carefully before your trip or click here(external link) for more information.
Pets and Bicycles are not permitted on the island (pushchairs are allowed).
Tickets and Fares for Mātiu/Somes Island trips
All tickets are for a return ferry trip. The ferry departs from Queens Wharf, stops at Days Bay to pick up passengers, then continues to the island. Visitors have up to 2 hours on Mātiu/Somes Island before the ferry returns to Queens Wharf via Days Bay.
Bookings are required and must be made in advance through East by West’s website.
Fares for trips between to Mātiu/Somes Island
From 15 May 2026
| Ticket type | Adult | Child | Accessible | Tertiary | Connect |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Return | $42.00 | $24.00 | $24.00 | N/A | $24.00 |
Last published: Tuesday, 28 April 2026 at 2:54 pm