Wellington Harbour Explorer: an emissions free tour of our natural and maritime history.
Join us on the Southern Hemisphere’s first fully electric passenger ferry, Ika Rere, for a zero-emissions tour of Wellington Harbour.
If there is no tour running on your preferred travel date, please check out our other harbour tour, in conjunction with Te Wharewaka here.
Highlights
- 90 Minute Commentated Harbour tour
- Onboard our fully electric passenger ferry, Ika Rere
- Bar and Bathroom facilities onboard
- Book online in advance or purchase tickets onboard on the day (we accept EFTPOS credit card and WeChat Pay onboard, surcharges may apply)
We accept WeChat pay onboard our ferries.
Commentary
Learn about the history of Te Whanganui-a-Tara/Wellington as the capital city, our local maritime history and natural environment as we take you on a 90 minute cruise around the harbour.
Our tour takes in different parts of the harbour depending on conditions on the day. We’re the busiest operator on Wellington Harbour at over 9,000 crossings per year, so our team knows where to go to take in all the best sights, regardless of condition.
Our commentary covers a range of stories and facts including earthquakes, changing landscapes, the TEV Wahine disaster and the recent regeneration of our native flora and fauna.
Ika Rere
Ika Rere was introduced into service in 2022 and remains the only electric ferry in the Southern Hemisphere.
One of the benefits of the electric ferry is that we do not need to compete with engine noise, meaning we’re able to travel at a leisurely pace and you can hear our commentary easily throughout the whole journey.
The layout of the vessel also means passengers can easily manoeuvre around, enjoying the open top deck and enclosed bottom cabin (commentary can be heard both upstairs and downstairs).
Group bookings
Enjoy exclusive use of the vessel for your group (up to 55 pax).
Dates and times are flexible so get in touch with us today about doing a private commentated tour. Cost is $1,999 (no minimum, 55 maximum).
Catering can also be provided (additional costs apply).
Looking for information about a school group booking? Click here.
Get in touch with us for Trade information and rates.
What our passengers say:
“I think the one-and-a-half-hour tour is excellent value for money and a great way to get a full view of the city’s harbour – definitely an experience we’ll be recommending.”
“It’s a great addition to a tourists itinerary and it gives visitors a great snapshot of the city from the harbour.”
“The audio and commentary was really clear. It was fascinating to hear facts about the boat itself. There was a nice balance between commentary and quiet moments.“
“It didn’t feel rushed and there was a good amount of time spent seeing Mātiu/Somes Island. Really interesting seeing the north side as I’d never been out there before.”
“We have been on harbor cruises all over the world, this was definitely one of the best ever! The crew and captain were very personable, the captain actually visited with passengers to make sure we could hear the audio up on the top deck. Even inviting passengers to tour the bridge of the ship. The ship is electric powered, extremely quiet and comfortable! Must do!”
