Waiheke Island
Step aboard and leave the city behind. Secure your spot on the ferry to Waiheke and discover an island paradise of world-class vineyards, golden beaches, and bohemian charm just 40 minutes from Auckland.
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Travel with Fullers360 on a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland to Waiheke Island, cruising past stunning coastlines.
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Experience Waiheke Island's beauty with a ferry ride and a hop-on-hop-off bus tour to explore vineyards, beaches, and villages.
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Enjoy a streamlined ride on the Waiheke Reserve ferry. Hop directly onto your pre-booked service, perfect for travelers with fixed schedules.
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Enjoy a streamlined ride on the Waiheke Reserve ferry. Hop directly onto your pre-booked service - perfect for fixed schedules.
per person
Step ashore on this special island sanctuary and discover its unique history and conservation, beautiful beaches, and native wildlife.
All the details about your upcoming adventure in one place
Your adventure to Waiheke Island begins with a breathtaking 40-minute scenic cruise across the sparkling waters of New Zealand's Hauraki Gulf. As you depart from the downtown Auckland ferry terminal, you'll be treated to panoramic views of the city skyline, the Harbour Bridge, and the historic village of Devonport. The journey takes you past the striking volcanic cone of Rangitoto Island, providing countless photo opportunities. Feel the fresh sea breeze on the outer decks or relax in the comfortable indoor seating as you anticipate your arrival in paradise. This ferry journey is more than just transport; it's the perfect prelude to the island's renowned wineries, pristine beaches, and laid-back atmosphere.
We only connect you with Waiheke's most trusted and highly-rated ferry operators, like Fullers360, ensuring a reliable, safe, and comfortable journey.
Our booking platform uses secure payment technology to protect your details. Reserve your tickets in just a few clicks and receive instant confirmation, stress-free.
No need to browse multiple websites. We bring together schedules and prices from our partners, helping you easily find the best ferry fare for your travel dates.
Find all available departure times in one convenient place. With open-return ticket options standard on most fares, you can enjoy Waiheke at your own pace without being rushed.
Make informed decisions by reading thousands of authentic reviews and ratings from travelers who have booked the exact same ferry journey through our trusted partners.
Go paperless! Your tickets are delivered directly to your email and smartphone. Simply scan the QR code at the gate for quick and easy boarding.
Summer (Dec-Feb) for the best beach weather and vibrant atmosphere. Autumn (Mar-May) for warm days, fewer crowds, and harvest season at the vineyards. Spring (Sep-Nov) for pleasant hiking weather and seeing the island in bloom. Winter (Jun-Aug) for a cozy, quiet escape with lower prices and intimate wine tastings.
Layering is key: bring a windbreaker or warm layer as it can be cool on the water, even on a sunny day|Wear comfortable walking shoes, as you'll likely do a lot of exploring on foot|Bring swimwear and a towel if you plan to visit the beaches|A sunhat and sunglasses are essential year-round.
Waiheke Island has been inhabited for over 1,000 years, with a rich Māori history evident in its numerous pā (fortified village) sites. European settlement began in the 19th century, with the island primarily used for farming and forestry. It wasn't until the 1980s that the first commercial vineyards were planted, sparking a transformation that turned the sleepy island into a world-famous wine-producing region and a sought-after lifestyle destination.
Cancellation policies vary depending on the ticket type and operator booked through our platform. Most standard tickets offer flexibility, allowing for changes or cancellations up to 24 hours before departure. Always check the specific terms and conditions presented at checkout before completing your booking.
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Real experiences from real travelers
Booking through this site was a breeze. We got our mobile tickets instantly and just scanned our phones at the gate. The ferry ride itself was stunning, a perfect start and end to our amazing day trip from Auckland. Much easier than queuing up at the terminal on a busy Saturday!
A very well-run ferry service. Punctual, clean, and the staff were helpful. The views leaving Auckland and approaching Waiheke are worth the fare alone. It got quite crowded on the 10am sailing, so my advice is to get there a bit early to grab a good seat on the top deck.
My wife and I loved Waiheke and the ferry is all part of the experience. It feels like a mini-cruise. We sat outside and the 40-minute ride flew by. Booking our tickets beforehand meant one less thing to worry about on our holiday. Highly recommend.
The process was very clear and simple. The ferry was comfortable with an onboard cafe which was a nice touch. We enjoyed a coffee while watching the beautiful islands of the Hauraki Gulf pass by. Arriving at Matiatia wharf, the public bus was waiting right there. Very organized.
As an Aucklander, I've taken this ferry many times. It's always a reliable service. Using this platform to book for visiting family was great, as I could send them the tickets directly. The view of the city skyline on the return journey at sunset never gets old. Can't beat it.
Everything you need to know for your journey
The ferry ride from Downtown Auckland to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island is approximately 40 minutes. The journey offers stunning views of the Hauraki Gulf islands, including the iconic volcanic cone of Rangitoto.
All passenger ferries to Waiheke Island depart from the Downtown Auckland Ferry Terminal, located at 99 Quay Street in the city's CBD. It is easily accessible via public transport.
While you can buy tickets at the terminal, we highly recommend booking online in advance, especially during peak season (December-February), on weekends, and public holidays. Booking online guarantees your spot and often allows you to bypass long queues.
Most standard return ferry tickets are 'open returns'. This means you can return on any scheduled ferry service on the same day or even a different day, depending on the ticket type. This offers great flexibility for your day trip, allowing you to stay as long as you like without being tied to a specific departure time.
Fullers360 is the primary passenger ferry service, offering frequent sailings throughout the day. SeaLink operates a passenger service but is more known for its car ferry service, which departs from a different location (Half Moon Bay). For most foot passengers from the CBD, Fullers360 is the most common choice, and our platform helps you compare and book their services easily.
The passenger ferries departing from Downtown Auckland do not carry vehicles. To take your car to Waiheke, you must book a separate car ferry service with SeaLink, which departs from Half Moon Bay in East Auckland. Our platform specializes in passenger ferry tickets.
Upon arrival at Matiatia Wharf, you have several options. The Waiheke Bus Service is coordinated with ferry arrivals and is an affordable way to reach the main villages and beaches. Taxis, rental cars, e-bikes, and scooters are also readily available near the wharf.
Yes, the larger ferries operated by our partners have a licensed cafe and bar onboard. You can purchase a range of hot and cold drinks, snacks, sandwiches, and sometimes even beer and local wine to start your island experience early.
Since most return tickets are open, if you miss one ferry, you can simply catch the next available one. Departures are frequent, typically every 30-60 minutes, so you won't have a long wait. Always check the day's schedule, especially for the last ferry back to Auckland.
Yes, the main ferry services are accessible for wheelchairs. They have ramps for boarding and designated accessible areas inside the cabin. We recommend contacting the ferry operator directly through our platform's booking details if you have specific accessibility needs to ensure a smooth journey.
Yes, you can bring standard luggage, such as suitcases and backpacks, on the ferry at no extra charge. For oversized items like surfboards or bicycles, it's best to check the specific operator's policy, as a small additional fee may apply.
Waiheke is a year-round destination. Summer (December-February) is the most popular time with hot, sunny weather perfect for beaches and vineyards. Autumn (March-May) offers warm, stable weather and fewer crowds. Spring (September-November) is beautiful with blooming flowers, while Winter (June-August) is quieter, cooler, and perfect for cozy wine tastings by the fire.
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