East by West Ferries — Attraction in North Island

Bear with me here because I'm going somewhere with this.... I have been back in New Zealand about a year now, after 4 years and 3 months living in Ecuador in South America.

Not going to lie, this country is NOT IN GOOD SHAPE right now.

Justice, education, health systems, infrastructure, the economy, heck, even the military is all falling apart here in NZ right now.

Honestly? I tell people it's "nice to visit but I don't recommend living there".

There is lots of cluster B personality disorder floating around: narcissists, sociopaths and psychopaths. I have so many horror stories of adult bullies and criminals in business here that I don't even know where to start 😑🙄🤦‍♂️

It's a mess and many Kiwi's lose their faith in humanity from such experiences (I'm outta here ASAP myself and moving to Spain/Chile lol).

This company is one of the Kiwi businesses I've dealt with which has prevented me from doing the same.

Kind, genuinely friendly warm and very professional service.

A bright spot in what has become a very dark country.

Really nice people. Special shout out to Mark and Gabriella who I've chatted with a bit and who are both very friendly and professional. Add in the beautiful harbour views, peaceful, calming energy of Day's Bay and this company is a great experience in general. Done like 25 trips with them in the last 12 months and not a single issue.

10/10. Great...

The East by West ferry service offers a delightful way to experience Wellington from the water. Operating between Queens Wharf in central Wellington and Eastbourne’s Days Bay, it provides a scenic 25-minute crossing that’s as much a commuter option as it is a tourism highlight. For those seeking an adventure, the service also connects to Mātiu/Somes Island, an island nature reserve.

On a fine day, the ferry ride is an unparalleled opportunity to see the city from a fresh perspective. Photography enthusiasts will appreciate the chance to capture stunning views of Wellington, especially when the light cooperates.

The journey is smooth and enjoyable, offering a relaxing escape from the hustle of the city while exploring the eastern bays. Whether commuting, sightseeing, or simply enjoying the harbor, this ferry service is a must-try for locals and...

I love the East by West ferry from Wellington to Days Bay! It's a 20-25 minute hop skip and jump all the way to Days Bay, and there's the fabulous option of hopping off onto Matiu Somes Island for a walk around the loop track, have a picnic, see birds, weta, other critters, incl sheep, check out the quarantine station - google it!

The ferry has snacks and drinks (incl alcoholic) on board, and the ride over is lovely - esp. on a sunny day. It can get very exciting on a windy day, hold onto your hat!

Photo is from near the summit of Matiu Somes Island, looking across the harbour to Mt Kaukau (pylon at top centre is atop the Mt). Wellington city to the left, Hutt Valley...