Regardless of how you get to Waiheke, the short trip (35-45 minutes on the downtown ferry) is a scenic trip across the Hauraki Gulf and your first cruise of the day, if you are joining us on a sailing tour.
How to get to Waiheke Island for Waiheke Island tours — 9am Fullers Ferries
For all our shared Waiheke Island tours, and most Waiheke private tours, you need to come on the 9am Fullers ferry from downtown Auckland. You have two options: a reserved (where you prebook your ticket) or walk up ferry, both of which leave at 9am daily.
Alternatively, you should catch a ferry that gives you plenty of time to arrive on the island for your private tour’s departure time. We are happy to help here with advice on your best ferry to catch or ferry bookings simply contact us to discuss ferry options.
Your ferry to Waiheke will depart from Pier 11 or 12 at the downtown ferry terminal, located at 99 Quay St.
Waiheke Ferry Tickets
If you have purchased ferry tickets as part of your booking, we will email you your tickets.
Otherwise, you do not need to book this ferry but make sure you turn up at least 30 minutes (1 hour in summer months or busy weekends) prior to departure time. If you have not purchased ferry tickets with your order, you will require a return Waiheke ferry ticket.
This will cost $59.00 pp return for the “Walk up” ferry or $95 for the “Reserve”/pre-booked ferry. These tickets can be purchased from either the Fullers ticket offices located on the Wharf.
Arrival on Waiheke
The ferry to Waiheke takes 35-45 minutes. When the ferry arrives at Matiatia (the Waiheke Wharf) our Terra and Tide guide will meet you with a sign welcoming you.
If you do arrive on an earlier ferry, there is a nice cafe close by called Ahipao where you can have a coffee and bite to eat, or go for a short stroll and return to the wharf area at the meeting time to find your guide for the day.
Other options for getting to Waiheke
Island Direct Waiheke Ferry
Island Direct offers an alternative to ferry option from downtown Auckland. Their ferries depart from the Downtown Ferry Terminal at Pier 13 in the CBD and, like Fullers, arrive at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, which works well for our tours and Waiheke walking tours. This ferry costs $55 return and departs at 9.15 am and earlier to work in with our standard day tours.
Sealink Ferries
Sealink Ferries provide a service from Half Moon Bay or downtown Auckland for both cars and passengers and arrive into Kennedy Point. This is suitable for private tours only.
Auckland Sea Shuttles
Auckland Sea Shuttles offers a professional water taxi service in the Hauraki Gulf. Suitable for small groups, this option can depart from the Auckland CBD and takes around 25 mins to come across to Matiatia Wharf.
Island Aviation
Fly across to Waiheke with Island Aviation, in a fixed-wing plane from Ardmore to Waiheke and take in the breathtaking scenery from above. Flight takes around 35 mins and lands at Reeves Airfield on Waiheke Island.
Helicopter
Flight directly from Auckland airport, Auckland CBD or the North shore across to Waiheke in 12-15 mins, landing at Reeves Airfield on Waiheke or directly at one of the vineyard restaurants. This option is suitable for couples or small to medium size groups.
Unsure how best to get to Waiheke for your tour or walk?
Please contact us to discuss your options or see what we can arrange for you.
