Ferries in Wellington form a part of the Wellington public transport system, carrying commuters and tourists on Wellington Harbour. Ferries operate between central Wellington and Days Bay (near Eastbourne), Petone, Seatoun, and Matiu/Somes Island. They have previously served Miramar, Karaka Bay, and Eastbourne proper. The development of road connections around the harbour's edge has reduced the importance of ferries to the city's transport network, but regular services still run.
Contents |
A ferry service to Days Bay began in 1893, and later served Eastbourne (at Rona Bay). The service was taken over by the Eastbourne Borough Council in 1913, and continued to operate until 1948.
In 1989, a new ferry service was established to Days Bay. It is the only commuter ferry in operation in Wellington. It is run by the private company East by West, with a subsidy from local authorities.
Ferry services from central Wellington to Miramar, Seatoun, and Karaka Bay began in 1901. There were several runs each day, operated by a private company, Wellington Harbour Ferries. A second company, the Miramar Ferry Company, began operations the following year, but was bought out by Wellington Harbour Ferries in 1906. Improvements to road connections, notably the construction of the Seatoun Tunnel, made road journeys substantially quicker and easier, and caused patronage to drop — regular services ceased in 1913. In 2006 weekend services to Seatoun resumed, followed in March 2008 by a commuter service.
Attempts have been made in recent years to establish a ferry service from central Wellington to Petone, on the northern coast of the harbour. Although there is a major road and rail corridor connecting Petone and Wellington, it was considered that a ferry service might reduce congestion, and possibly provide a faster journey. A trial commuter service was withdrawn after failing to attract the level of patronage expected. Petone is still served on weekends.
Although Matiu/Somes Island has never had a substantial population, its establishment in recent years as a nature reserve has generated demand for a ferry service. The island was opened to the public in 1995, and off-peak and weekend ferries call on request.
(list is likely to be incomplete)