New Zealand
Days Bay Wharf to Mātiu/Somes Island Wharf Ferry
Schedule, crossing time & sailings for 2026
Departs
Days Bay Wharf
Wellington
Arrives
Mātiu/Somes Island Wharf
Wellington
MetlinkAt a glance
The Days Bay Wharf to Mātiu/Somes Island Wharf ferry takes about 15m, with 5 listed sailings between 10:00 and 14:30. It is operated by Metlink.
- First sailing
- 10:00
- Last sailing
- 14:30
- Sailings listed
- 5
- Crossing
- 15m
Days Bay Wharf to Mātiu/Somes Island Wharf ferry timetable
| Departs | Arrives | Duration | Operator | Runs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:00 | 10:15 | 15m | Metlink | Weekends |
| 10:30 | 10:45 | 15m | Metlink | Mon–Fri |
| 12:00 | 12:15 | 15m | Metlink | Weekends |
| 12:30 | 12:45 | 15m | Metlink | Mon–Fri |
| 14:30 | 14:45 | 15m | Metlink | Weekends |
Times are indicative and may change seasonally. Confirm with the operator before travelling.
About the Days Bay Wharf – Mātiu/Somes Island Wharf crossing
Fifteen minutes from Days Bay out to Mātiu/Somes Island, the predator-free scientific reserve in the middle of Wellington Harbour. Five sailings, between 10.00 and 14.30 — and nothing outside those hours.
A daytime-only service
There is no early boat and no evening one. The island is a day visit by design: the first crossing is at ten in the morning and the last returns at 16.45, so the window ashore is a few hours rather than a full day.
Landing on a reserve
Mātiu/Somes is predator-free, which means arriving passengers are expected to check bags for stowaway rodents and seeds before stepping off. It is a Department of Conservation reserve rather than a village with a quay.
Getting there
Days Bay itself is 25 minutes from Queens Wharf in the city, with 18 sailings a day. The island calls run as part of that same Metlink harbour service, operated under contract by East by West on a crossing first sailed in 1893.
Vehicles, pets & onboard
- Harbour catamarans
- Electric ferry Ika Rere
- Somes Island stops
- Part of Metlink transit
Onboard facilities and vehicle, pet and luggage policies vary by operator and vessel; confirm details with the operator before booking.
Getting to & from the ports
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a passport for this ferry?
No, it's a domestic crossing within New Zealand.
How long, roughly, is the crossing?
About 15m under normal conditions.
Can I book the return crossing too?
Yes, check the return route for its own times and fares.
When's the first ferry of the day?
The first sailing leaves at 10:00.
Which company runs this ferry?
Operated by Metlink.
What's the sailing frequency per day?
5 sailings a day on this route.
How much does a ticket cost?
Ticket prices vary by operator, season and whether you bring a vehicle. Check the operator (Metlink) for current fares.
Can I do this as a day trip?
A day trip is often possible: with a crossing of about 15m and several sailings a day (first 10:00, last 14:30), you can return the same day. Always check the return timetable before you go.
Does the ferry run all year?
Sailings run daily, and frequency can change between the summer and winter seasons. The timetable above shows the latest published departures — confirm with the operator for off-season dates.
Can I take a car on this ferry?
Metlink does not list vehicle space on this service — plan to travel as a foot passenger. If you need to bring a car, check with the operator for alternative crossings.
Can I take a pet on this ferry?
Most ferry operators allow pets on this route, usually in a carrier, on deck or in designated pet areas or cabins, and registered assistance dogs travel free. Rules and any fees vary by operator and vessel — check with Metlink, so declare your pet when booking.
What's the luggage allowance?
Foot passengers can normally bring their own luggage aboard at no extra charge, with racks or a luggage area near the entrance, and there is usually no airline-style weight limit. Oversized or excess items may carry a fee, so check with the operator if you are travelling with bulky baggage.
Same departure port
More ferries from Days Bay Wharf
Everything else that sails from the same quay.
Sharing a stop
Crossings calling at Days Bay Wharf or Mātiu/Somes Island Wharf
Nearby links that share a quay with this one.
Timetable valid Aug 23, 2026 – Sep 26, 2026.
Reviewed by Serhat Özçelik, Founder & Editor of Ferry Schedule Hub · Last updated August 23, 2026.
Operated by
Ports on this route
Days Bay Wharf on the map
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