Take a scenic ferry ride from Wellington to Mātiu/Somes Island with East by West, and enjoy a day packed with natural beauty and local history. Discover why this trip is a must-do for outdoor lovers in New Zealand’s capital.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
3–4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; minimal walking involved
Wildlife
History
Originally used by Māori as a strategic settlement site, the island later served military purposes before becoming a protected natural area.
Conservation
Conservation efforts emphasize native flora and fauna preservation, with ongoing volunteer programs to restore and protect the island’s ecosystems.
East by West
Take a scenic ferry ride from Wellington to Mātiu/Somes Island with East by West, and enjoy a day packed with natural beauty and local history. Discover why this trip is a must-do for outdoor lovers in New Zealand’s capital.
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.
Electric Ferry
Ika Rere
First fully-electric passenger ferry
Regular Crossings
9,000+ annually
Frequent harbour service
Departure Point
Queens Wharf
Central Wellington embarkation
Tours Offered
2 signature trips
Harbour tour and island day trip
Reserve seats for the 90-minute commentated tour or pre-book Mātiu/Somes Island day trips departing Queens Wharf.
Book in advance
Pre-book your ferry trip to secure your spot and avoid disappointment, especially during peak season.
Dress for the weather
Bring layers and waterproof gear as conditions can change quickly on the water.
Watch the tides
Check the tide times for optimal boat departure and return—high tide can affect accessibility.
Bring binoculars
Enhance wildlife viewing from the boat and island with a good pair of binoculars.
Comfortable walking shoes
Good shoes make exploring the island’s trails more enjoyable.
Weather-appropriate clothing
Layered clothing for variable spring weather.
spring
Sun protection
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses for sunny days.
summer
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during your island strolls.