Waiheke is the second largest island in the Hauraki Gulf and scheduled ferry services from Auckland run daily throughout the year to service the commuters and tourists that live and visit the island. The ferry terminals on Waiheke are Matiatia, Kennedy Point and Orapiu. The main passenger ferry takes 40 minutes from downtown Auckland to Matiatia.
There are two ferry operators, Fullers a passenger ferry and SeaLink a passenger & car ferry. Clearly, the ferry services are the two cost-effective options that most consider when choosing how to get to Waiheke. However, if you have the budget and the inclination there a couple of other options that can get you to the island and away from the tourist crowds.
1. Waiheke Car Ferry – SeaLink
One of the first questions most people ask us when visiting Waiheke Island is “shall I bring the car?” the answer to a lot of these questions is “it depends“. It depends on your budget, the length of time you wish to spend on Waiheke and what you intend to see and do.
If you decide to opt for the convenience and flexibility of taking your own car then SeaLink provides daily services from Half Moon Bay, a coastal suburb located immediately south of Bucklands Beach in Manukau City, Auckland and Wynard Wharf in central Auckland. Passengers and vehicles are dropped off at the Waiheke terminal located at Kennedy Point. For more information »
2. Waiheke Passenger Ferry – Fullers
Fullers offer a passenger ferry service that leaves from the Ferry Terminal in Auckland’s CBD and drop passengers off at Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke. The ferry runs on the hour between 9 am & 5 pm with extra early morning and evening sailings to meet the commuter demand. The 9 am, 11 am, 1 pm & 3 pm to Waiheke ferry sailings go via Devonport. For more information »
Ferry to Orapiu
There is one service that operates between Auckland and Orapiu at the weekends. The ferry departs Auckland at 8.45 am on Saturdays and Sundays and departs Orapiu to head back to the city at 5.25 pm.
Note: Our advice is to double check the timings due to there only being the one scheduled ferry service. There will be a high risk of seasonal time changes and cancellations.
How long is the ferry ride to Waiheke?
The Fullers passenger ferry from downtown Auckland to Matiatia will take 40 minutes. The SeaLink car ferry from Half Moon Bay to Kennedy Point will take 45 minutes or 60 minutes depending on the ferry booked and the SeaLink car ferry service from Wynard Wharf, central Auckland will take 1 hour 20 minutes to reach Kennedy Point on Waiheke.
3. Water Taxi to Waiheke
Generally, flexibility is the reason why you would choose a water taxi to Waiheke. Water Taxis will clearly cost a lot more than the regular ferry, though the cost per person can be brought down in price if you are travelling in a group. I have used a water taxi before when a group of us were heading to a concert in Auckland, and instead of leaving early to make the last scheduled ferry home we had organised and booked a water taxi back to Waiheke. This allowed us to negotiate a time of our choosing and enjoy the end of the concert without having to race off. If you are looking for a water taxi you can consider;
- Auckland Sea Shuttles
- Auckland Water Taxis
- Chas n’ Tail Water Taxi
4. Scenic Flights
Scenic flights to and over Waiheke is not as expensive as you would think and is certainly a worthwhile experience. If you have a special occasion then there would be nothing better than arriving on Waiheke in style. Scenic flights take on some of Auckland’s most scenic features and include amazing scenery, offering breath-taking vistas across the Hauraki Gulf and an aerial view of the island. Options include fixed-wing planes, helicopters, and even a seaplane.
- Auckland Seaplanes
- HeliTranz
- Air Auckland
- Air Discovery
- Inflight Experiences
