Our company
Welcome to East by West Ferries, a cornerstone of maritime transportation in Wellington Harbour since 1989. We've been steadfast in our commitment to providing reliable, efficient and dynamic ferry services for over 30 years. Whether you're a daily commuter, a curious traveller, or an event organiser, we invite you to embark on a journey with us.
Our services
Public Transport
Contracted by Greater Wellington, we play a small but vital role in the region's public transportation system. Our ferries shuttle commuters from Days Bay to Wellington City in the mornings and back home in the evenings, offering a seamless and picturesque journey across the harbour.
Day Trips
Beyond our commuter services, we provide day trips for visitors, ferrying them across the harbour to the charming seaside township of Days Bay and the captivating Mātiu/Somes Island (currently undergoing wharf renovations and closed until approximately October 2024).
Private Charters
Looking to host a memorable event or celebrate a special occasion? Our ferries are available for private charters, complete with onboard bars and customisable options including catering, ensuring your experience is nothing short of extraordinary.
Wellington Harbour Explorer
In 2023, we introduced the Wellington Harbour Explorer, a unique 90 minute commentated tour experience, that combines the allure of our natural landscapes with the rich maritime history of the region. Embark on an emissions-free journey aboard our electric ferry and immerse yourself in the beauty and heritage of Wellington Harbour.
Our fleet
Our three ferries all have bathrooms and bar facilities onboard, enclosed bottom cabins and open top decks.
City Cat
Purchased in 2000, City Cat replaced our first ferry and provided a quick, reliable transport option, officially “beating the traffic” with its 25 minute crossing time.
Passenger limit: 91 pax
Cobar Cat
Cobar Cat was commissioned, built and purchased by East by West Ferries in 2005 to meet the increased demand in ferry transport across the harbour.
Passenger limit: 99 pax
Ika Rere
Launched in 2022, Ika Rere marks a significant milestone in our journey towards sustainability. As the first fully electric ferry in the southern hemisphere, it symbolizes our unwavering commitment to reducing our environmental footprint while delivering exceptional service.
Passenger limit: 132 pax
Our sustainability commitment
As the busiest commercial operator on Wellington Harbour, we are deeply committed to the preservation of the harbour’s natural beauty, and minimising our impact on the environment. From our transition to electric propulsion to our ongoing efforts in waste reduction and sustainability practices, we strive to lead by example and inspire positive change within our community.
We’re proud to support the Tiaki promise. Tiaki means to care for people and place. The Tiaki promise is a commitment to care for New Zealand, for now and for future generations. Please consider the following when visiting Aotearoa, New Zealand.
