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Step aboard Ika Rere, the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully-electric ferry, and experience a quiet, zero-emission cruise revealing Wellington Harbour’s rich maritime history. This 90-minute tour from East by West combines local stories with sweeping water views in the heart of New Zealand’s capital.
Step aboard Ika Rere, the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully-electric ferry, and experience a quiet, zero-emission cruise revealing Wellington Harbour’s rich maritime history. This 90-minute tour from East by West combines local stories with sweeping water views in the heart of New Zealand’s capital.
Book with East by West
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Operated by East by West · Wellington, Wellington
Positioned at 55 Lady Elizabeth Lane in the heart of Wellington Central, East by West offers a remarkable 90-minute commentated harbour tour aboard Ika Rere, the Southern Hemisphere's first fully-electric passenger ferry. This unique sustainable vessel glides silently across Wellington Harbour, delivering an experience that’s as environmentally mindful as it is immersive.
Wellington Harbour, or Te Whanganui-a-Tara, serves as the city's vibrant waterfront gateway, framed by rugged hills and dynamic urban energy. From the ferry, passengers pass iconic landmarks such as Queens Wharf, the rugged cliffs of Miramar Peninsula, and the ferry terminals that anchor the local community’s transport fabric. The tour’s commentary unfolds the stories behind these sights—detailing the harbour’s maritime heritage, its role as New Zealand’s seafaring capital, and insights into the natural environment shaped by the region’s temperate coastal conditions.
East by West is not only the harbour’s busiest operator, with over 9,000 crossings annually, but also a pioneer in eco-conscious travel. By harnessing electric propulsion, Ika Rere glides silently with zero emissions, minimizing disturbance to marine life and cutting through the often breezy Wellington winds with ease. The tranquil engine-noise-free passage enhances wildlife watching opportunities; spotting diving seabirds and playful seals is common.
Departing centrally from Queens Wharf, the ferry’s route adapts according to weather and tide, ensuring optimal views while maintaining safety and comfort. Onboard amenities include a fully licensed bar offering drinks and snacks for purchase, making it easy to relax and soak up the crisp harbour air.
For visitors seeking a fresh perspective on Wellington’s outdoor and maritime landscape, this low-impact cruise offers a compelling blend of education, comfort, and responsible travel. East by West’s adoption of clean technology and deep local knowledge makes their Wellington Harbour tour a standout activity for those wanting to connect with the city’s natural and cultural story from the water’s edge.
easy.
1.5 hours.
Suitable for all fitness levels; mainly seated or stationary during cruise
Due to steep stairs and gangways, the ferry is not wheelchair accessible. Contact East by West for more assistance options.
Yes, there is a fully licensed bar where you can purchase beverages and snacks during the cruise.
East by West may cancel tours during unsafe weather conditions, typically with winds over 30 knots, and full refunds are provided.
The tour is family-friendly with no minimum age limit, making it suitable for children accompanied by adults.
All tours depart from Berth C at Queens Wharf, located centrally in Wellington’s harbour area.
Yes, the tour is conducted on Ika Rere, a fully-electric ferry, ensuring a zero-emissions journey across the harbour.
Wellington Harbour has long been a strategic maritime hub, hosting indigenous Maori settlements and evolving into New Zealand’s capital port by the 19th century.
East by West’s electric ferry reduces fossil fuel use, lowering emissions and sound pollution to protect marine ecosystems in the harbour.
East by West is a Wellington-based ferry operator offering curated harbour experiences and island day trips. Based at Queens Wharf in central Wellington, East by West runs pre-bookable ferry sailings to Mātiu/Somes Island (Somes Island) with routes that include scenic passages via Days Bay and a dedicated return departure from the island. The operator also runs a 90-minute commentated harbour tour aboard Ika Rere, the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully-electric passenger ferry. That 90-minute cruise combines expert commentary with quiet, engine-noise-free travel while highlighting Wellington Harbour’s history and landmarks. East by West completes over 9,000 annual crossings, providing reliable scheduled services and specialised tour departures that appeal to residents and visitors. Safety and environmental stewardship are core operational priorities: zero-emissions ferry operation and clear boarding procedures support responsible harbour tourism and conservation-minded visits to Mātiu/Somes Island. Passenger information, pre-booking options, and clearly stated departure points at Queens Wharf help visitors plan seamless arrival and return logistics. For day-trip visitors, the Mātiu/Somes Island sailings offer time ashore to explore walking tracks and wildlife viewing while maintaining dedicated sailing times that ensure predictable returns. For harbour enthusiasts, the commentated tour on Ika Rere offers narrated insights about Wellington’s maritime past and present. East by West’s combination of central departure, electric ferry technology, and focused itineraries makes it a trustworthy choice for short, sustainable maritime experiences in Wellington Harbour. Timetables, booking details and accessibility information are available online to help plan visits and confirm departure times from Queens Wharf to the island and back.
Book with East by West