• Getting To Waiheke Island

Getting to Waiheke Island is relatively easy with ferries leaving from downtown Auckland regularly. Other options include the car ferry from Half Moon Bay, sea shuttles, fixed-wing and helicopter flights.

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 tours — 9am Fullers Ferries

For all our shared tours, and most 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 to arrive on the island in time 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. 

Arriving at Matiatia Wharf

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 FerriesSealink 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.

Sealink Ferries

 

Auckland Sea Shuttles 

Auckland Sea ShuttlesAuckland 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

Island AviationFly 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

HelicopterFlight 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.

  • star rating  Highly enjoyable introduction to cultural and natural highlights of the island. - Justine was super friendly and accomodating, and knowledgable about Maori culture and history as well as nature. She drove us to some interesting locations on the island, and after an... read more

    EvdWRotterdam
    27 February 2024

    star rating  Great time. - The hiking tour we took of Waiheke Island was one of our highlights to the Auckland NZ area. Tyler, our guide was knowledgeable, energetic and FUN! I highly recommend... read more

    Curious271653
    29 March 2023

    star rating  Great walk - We took the vineyards and bush walk around Waiheke. I don't really like bus tours and this was a nice option. A little longer walk than advertised but... read more

    swelgus
    6 March 2023
  • star rating  Fabulous private tour with vineyard lunch - Our day with Nicky was wonderful! We were excited to find out it was a private tour! Nicky drove us all around the island and showed us so much in... read more

    marioshay
    1 March 2024

    star rating  Sailing Waiheke with Blue Penguins - My husband and I had such a lovely time touring the islands around Waiheke for our honeymoon! Bruce and Gabrielle were such lovely hosts and we had an amazing time... read more

    Anston25
    11 March 2023

    star rating  The perfect way to explore the Hauraki Gulf - We had a fabulous day out on board Pacific Star with skipper Bruce and walking guide Lucie. Can’t think of a better way to explore and learn about the history... read more

    AniHaf
    6 March 2023
  • star rating  Nikki was fantastic- her knowledge of the island & her delightful personality made the day very enjoyable. We were blessed with stunning weather & Nikki showed off the best of... read more

    B195
    15 March 2024

    star rating  An Absolute Must - Our time on Waiheke Island was amazing. Nicky, our tour guide, took us around the galleries on the main road of the island and if felt like walking through a... read more

    Road53601199255
    27 March 2024

    star rating  Perfect boat trip - We had the best tour. We started sailing and went to a beautiful island and hiked around and then had lunch and sailed back. It was just wonderful and we... read more

    jandrews
    15 April 2024
  • star rating  Wonderful experience on Waiheke Island! - Although the weather was dull with light rain at the beginning of our hike, our wonderful guide Tyler engaged our attention right away with her knowledge of the flora and... read more

    John M
    26 February 2023

    star rating  A fun way to meet some nice people and enjoy the lovely island.
    So much beautiful and creative art to see!
    A great way to tour around some different areas... read more

    Jo S
    21 April 2024

    star rating  Beautiful Day on Waiheke - I had the best day touring Waiheke Island with Maria of Terra & Tide. We discussed my interests when we met and she tailored the day to fit... read more

    Maps240818
    6 March 2024
  • star rating  Excellent four and introduction to Waiheke Island. - Fantastic tour! Walking and hiking with coastal views, and on a trail through the forest. Then an absolutely delicious picnic lunch on the Mudbrick winery estate before a lovely... read more

    karenbQ4590RK
    3 March 2023

    star rating  Great day on Waiheke Island with Lucie - had an excellent day hiking around the headlands with Lucie!!!! Had a nice orientation before we headed out and spent the morning hiking around the beautiful headlands of the... read more

    O9524BGjohnp
    11 March 2024

    star rating  Fantastic day out on a catamaran - We took a catamaran out with Bruce to Tiritiri Matangi Island. Not only was the island itself an incredible experience but Bruce was an outstanding and informative host. He let... read more

    Travel10852737093
    26 March 2024
  • star rating  Really knowledgable local guide and beautiful walk. Local history, geography, flora, fauna and current regeneration projects. Well worth it.

    EmmiTYR
    1 April 2023

    star rating  Perfect day away from the Hustle and Bustle - We really enjoyed the stunning views and bays of Waiheke isl. Tyler guided us during the walk and shared her great knowledge about the beautiful nature. Towards the end of... read more

    Enjoylifetooshort
    6 March 2023

    star rating  Relaxed Day - Gabrielle"s wealth of knowledge of the flora and fauna of the island was amazing. Even though the weather meant plans had to change it was a most enjoyable day hiking... read more

    margaretg511
    14 March 2023
  • star rating  Seeing art works on Waiheke Island - It was an extraordinary tour. Gabrielle made me feel like she was showing me her own island and the artworks and artists on it. I have traveled to many... read more

    thestlfox
    19 February 2024

    star rating  A Day on Waiheke Island - We had a wonderful day on Waiheke Island. Our guide, Nydia, was terrific. She was friendly, she told us all about the flora and fauna as well as... read more

    bergelsonjeff
    14 March 2023

    star rating  Nature and wine - We, a couple, had a nice walk with Cindy. She explained a lot of interesting facts about the plants, birds and the Māori culture. After the walk we got a... read more

    sjoukjeR
    6 March 2024
  • star rating  Hiking to Wine! 🍷 - Wonderful adventure to explore the island. Spectacular scenery. Wineries were amazing. Thank you, Dell, for your knowledge, hospitality, and kindness! Highly recommend this experience.

    Kyoungfnp
    20 February 2024

    star rating  This was such a great tour and hike of the island!!! It was such a beautiful day and our guides were awesome!! They were super friendly and knowledgeable and made... read more

    Stay20157446255
    3 March 2024

    star rating  A great day out - I really enjoyed my day out. Lucie was a great guide, offering lots of information about the history of the island and the flora and fauna. The meet and greet... read more

    Surreyonsea
    1 March 2023
  • star rating  Excellent first day in NZ tour of Waiheke. - Having a lunch with my guide on the sandy beach. As it turned out, I was the only guest for the tour time and date I had chosen. ... read more

    Peter B
    9 March 2023

    star rating  Sailing - Fab journey, Bruce and Gabrielle great hosts
    Anchored up and swam, not much wind but all good, great food :)

    Bazzacam
    27 February 2023

    star rating  Incredible day on the catamaran with Bruce - My wife and I had the BEST day out on the water with Bruce this February. We booked rather last minute, but Bruce and Gabrielle were incredibly accommodating and provided... read more

    OnAir40077127244
    17 April 2024
  • star rating  A rewarding hike. - We really appreciated the knowlege of Gabrielle about the island, its history and the flora and fauna of the area. We learned so much about the positve steps NZ... read more

    BCistg
    25 February 2023

    star rating  Nydia was a lovely tour guide. The scenery was amazing. We had a tight schedule due to a flight and they modified the tour time to accommodate us. Great people... read more

    Abbey B
    4 March 2023

    star rating  Great Tour of Waiheke Island! - We had most of a day to devote to touring Waiheke island and Gabrielle was an EXCELLENT guide! Very accommodating to our schedule, very knowledgeable about the island, a... read more

    Rick S
    7 March 2023
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