Nelson Ferry – Nelson Harbour Cruises & Sightseeing

Explore Nelson Harbour from the water with Nelson Ferry, offering scenic harbour cruises, island trips, lighthouse visits and customised boat journeys from Nelson’s waterfront.

Departing from Wakefield Quay, Nelson Ferry provides a relaxed way to discover the natural landscapes, maritime history and working harbour that make Nelson Haven unique.

Cruise across the harbour to Haulashore Island, visit Nelson’s historic lighthouse, explore the remarkable Boulder Bank, or simply enjoy a sightseeing cruise with views of Nelson from the water.

Trips can also be tailored for families, groups, schools, photographers, celebrations, weddings and work events.

Why Choose Nelson Ferry?

• Scenic Nelson Harbour cruises
• Trips to Haulashore Island
• Access to Nelson’s historic lighthouse
• Boulder Bank trips and walking options
• Harbour sightseeing from the water
• Customised ferry journeys
• Water taxi services across Nelson Harbour
• Family and group outings
• School group trips
• Weddings and special occasions
• Work and community group events
• Opportunities for photographers and artists
• Gift vouchers available
• Children aged 0–4 travel free on listed services
• School group and SuperGold discounts available
• Operates on demand throughout the year, weather permitting
• Convenient departure point from Wakefield Quay in Nelson

Nelson Ferry has been showcasing Nelson Haven since the early 1980s, giving visitors and locals a unique way to explore the harbour and its landmarks from the water.

Nelson Harbour Cruises

See Nelson from a completely different perspective on a Nelson Harbour cruise.

The harbour and estuary connect Nelson’s city, coastline, wildlife, maritime history and working port, creating plenty to discover within a relatively compact area.

From the water, passengers can experience some of Nelson Haven’s distinctive landmarks while enjoying views back towards the city and surrounding landscape.

Nelson Ferry can also customise journeys to combine different harbour experiences, making it possible to create a trip around what your family or group would most like to see.

Haulashore Island

Take the short journey across Nelson Harbour to Haulashore Island.

The island provides an opportunity to step ashore and experience another side of Nelson Haven, whether you’re planning a family picnic, exploring the surroundings or incorporating the island into a customised harbour trip.

It is also an appealing location for photographers and visitors wanting to experience Nelson’s coastal environment away from the city streets.

Visit Nelson’s Historic Lighthouse

Nelson Ferry provides access to one of the city’s distinctive maritime landmarks — the Nelson Lighthouse.

Located on the Boulder Bank, the lighthouse is best appreciated from the harbour and provides an interesting addition to a Nelson sightseeing trip.

Passengers can choose a dedicated lighthouse journey or combine the lighthouse with other Nelson Ferry experiences.

Explore the Boulder Bank

The Boulder Bank is one of Nelson Haven’s defining natural features.

Nelson Ferry provides several ways to experience the area, including transport and walking combinations around The Cut, the lighthouse and the Boulder Bank baches.

Options currently include:

• The Cut Walk
• The Cut to The Cut Walk
• The Cut to Lighthouse Walk
• Boulder Bank Baches to Lighthouse Walk
• Transport to the Boulder Bank baches

These options allow visitors to combine time on the water with exploring the area on foot.

Nelson Sightseeing From the Water

A boat cruise provides a different way to experience Nelson for both visitors and locals.

Rather than simply viewing the harbour from shore, Nelson Ferry takes passengers onto Nelson Haven to experience its landscape, wildlife, maritime history and local industry from the water.

Trips can suit families looking for something different to do in Nelson, couples wanting a relaxing outing, photographers looking for a new perspective and visitors interested in the city’s coastal history.

Family-Friendly Nelson Boat Trips

Nelson Ferry offers an easy outdoor experience for families wanting to explore Nelson Harbour together.

Children aged 0–4 currently travel free on the company’s listed main and walking services, with separate child fares available for ages 5–12.

A trip can include a harbour cruise, island visit or lighthouse experience, providing families with an alternative way to spend time exploring Nelson.

Groups, Schools & Community Outings

Nelson Ferry caters for a variety of groups, including:

• School groups
• Community groups
• Service groups
• Families
• Work groups
• Photographers and artists

School groups currently receive a 15% discount on published fares.

For groups with a particular itinerary in mind, Nelson Ferry can discuss a customised trip around the harbour.

Weddings, Celebrations & Special Occasions

Looking for something different for a celebration in Nelson?

Nelson Ferry can cater for weddings, special occasions, romantic sunset trips and work events, with journeys tailored to suit the occasion.

A harbour trip can also provide a memorable setting for photographs, particularly around the lighthouse, Boulder Bank, Haulashore Island and Nelson’s waterfront.

Nelson Harbour Water Taxi

Nelson Ferry also provides a water taxi service across Nelson Harbour, offering another option for getting from one part of the harbour to another.

Custom ferry services can be discussed directly with the team, with pricing based on the service required.

Nelson Ferry Prices

Nelson Ferry offers several different trips and combinations, with fares varying according to the journey and passenger age.

Current experiences include:

• Haulashore Island
• The Lighthouse
• Lighthouse + Island Combo
• Harbour Cruise + Lighthouse Combo
• Boulder Bank and The Cut walking options

Children aged 0–4 currently travel free on the published services, while school groups receive a 15% discount and Gold Card holders a 10% discount.

Gift vouchers are also available.

As fares and services can change, check directly with Nelson Ferry for current prices and availability before travelling.

Departure Point – Wakefield Quay, Nelson

Nelson Ferry departs from:

272 Wakefield Quay
Stepneyville
Nelson 7010

The ferry is berthed at the dock adjacent to Styx Restaurant on Wakefield Quay.

This waterfront location makes Nelson Ferry an accessible activity for visitors staying in and around Nelson.

Weather & Trip Confirmation

Nelson Ferry services are weather dependent, particularly when wind conditions affect safe operation.

Booked trips are confirmed within 24 hours of departure, and passengers are encouraged to check current conditions before travelling.

For same-day service, Nelson Ferry recommends contacting the team directly by phone.

Explore Nelson Tasman

A Nelson Harbour cruise is an easy addition to a wider Nelson Tasman itinerary.

Spend time discovering Nelson’s waterfront and city attractions before heading further into the region to explore beaches, wineries, cycling trails and the wider Tasman area.

For more ideas on what to see and do during your stay, explore our Nelson Tasman Travel Guide.

Book Nelson Ferry

Discover Nelson from the water with Nelson Ferry, offering scenic Nelson Harbour cruises, lighthouse and island trips, Boulder Bank experiences and customised journeys from Wakefield Quay.

Whether you’re exploring Nelson with family, organising a group outing or simply looking for a different way to experience the city, Nelson Ferry provides a memorable perspective on Nelson Haven.

Support local and book direct with Nelson Ferry for current availability, fares and trip options.