The 4 Auckland Ferry Trips That Earn Their Price

1.Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,311 reviews · 1 day · from $59Our pick

Start at Auckland Ferry Terminal and cruise to Waiheke Island, where a Fullers360 Explorer Bus links 16 stops. Build your own day around Mudbrick, Batch, Cable Bay, beaches, galleries, shops, and nature walks. Guides such as Ruth, Aaron, Tilly, and Minnie add local color, but tastings and meals cost extra.

“Brilliant day out, we could have spent more than one day there. We got a great overview of part of the island with a very knowledgeable driver”

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2.Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $65

Take an 80-minute ferry from Auckland to Tiritiri Matangi, a pest-free island sanctuary where you can walk forest tracks, spot kōkako, takahē, tīeke, and tuatara, and swim at quiet beaches. Guides such as Vishnu, Malcolm Pullan, Tina, and Anne have helped make visits especially memorable.

“Absolutely couldn’t have asked for more. Our guide Tina was the best and was so friendly. Just loved the whole experience. We managed to see all species of birds bar one which was the Takahe. One of the highlights was seeing a big Tuatara which really made our day and the big Punga Weta also was a great sight to see.”

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3.Auckland to Rangitoto Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 109 reviews · from $37Best value

Ride a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland’s Downtown Terminal to Rangitoto Island, then choose an easy-paced summit walk or explore the volcanic shore at your own speed. The 260-meter cone offers harbor views, lava fields, native bush, sandy coves, and optional guided transport on some departures.

“Nice day out and an unusual experience of driving through lava fields”

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4.Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry (Waiheke Island)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $65

Take a 90-minute air-conditioned ferry from Auckland to Man O’ War Bay on Waiheke Island, then enjoy 3.5 hours for wine, lunch, swimming, and lawn time. Restaurant and wine tasting costs extra. Weekend sailings offer more flexibility, while weekdays suit a simpler day out.

“We had an excellent day celebrating our 52nd wedding anniversary. Everything about the day was done professionally and instructions were clear and the boat ride very comfortable and Island was amazing. Food very good and we loved the beer and wine. Would recommend this trip for an awesome day out.”

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