The 11 New Zealand 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.InterIslander Ferry – Wellington to Picton

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 417 reviews · from $58

Take a one-way passenger ferry from Wellington to Picton in about 3.5 hours. Enjoy open-air decks, onboard cafes, family facilities, and views of Cook Strait, the Kaikoura Ranges, and Queen Charlotte Sound. The ticket includes two 23-kilogram bags and a Wellington Railway Station shuttle.

“The ferry is a great way to travel between North and South island. We upgraded to the premium lounge which was very comfortable and quiet with good food options.”

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3.Water Taxi & Mou Waho Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 299 reviews · 3 hours · from $83

Take a three-hour water taxi trip from Wanaka Marina to Mou Waho Island. Guides such as Hannah, James, and Brent share local stories and lake facts before giving you about 1.5 to 2 hours to walk, spot Weka, reach the lookout, or swim in the island’s hidden lake.

“It was very fun! The water taxi itself on the way to the island was very comfortable. The guide, Brent, was extremely knowledgeable and friendly. The time allocated on the island was just perfect; we managed to explore every path we wanted to and made it back in time for the trip back.”

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4.InterIslander Ferry – Picton to Wellington

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 247 reviews · from $58

Travel by InterIslander ferry from Picton to Wellington in about 3.5 hours. You’ll cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, cross Cook Strait, and arrive beside Wellington Harbour. Choose a foot-passenger or vehicle ticket, use the viewing decks, and bring up to two 23kg bags per person.

“The ferry from Picton to Wellington was a bit lackluster but effective. Staff was very nice and helpful. The premium lounge was small and seating almost comfortable.”

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5.Wanaka Water Taxi Mou Waho Island Tour

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 217 reviews · from $86Top rated

Take a small water taxi 15 km across Lake Wānaka to Mou Waho Island. Skippers including Hannah, Brent, Kyle, and James provide live commentary on the lake, geology, and mountains. You get about 90 minutes to walk uphill to Arethusa Pool and enjoy wide alpine views.

“Great day out weather was beautiful, the walk up to the lookout is steep, but was worth the hard trek up. Excellent”

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6.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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7.Paihia: Hole in the Rock Fast Boat Ocean Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 132 reviews · 1h 30m · from $89

You’ll ride a purpose-built fast catamaran from Paihia with local skippers such as Gavin, GG, and Marty. Expect Cape Brett, Cathedral Cave, wildlife watching, and a chance to pass through the Hole in the Rock when sea conditions allow.

“We absolutely loved this activity and will definitely do it again when we return, the tour was fun, the guide was amazing and the fast boat meant that we were able to glide over the bumps with ease and the suspension seats were definitely a blessing. We were on a cruise so we did the 10am and this left us plenty of time to check out the markets and the incredible bakery. Our friends who did the 4.5 hour trip all came back a little queezy and were not able to pass through the hole due to the conditions. We were able to get through the hole and go quite…”

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8.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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9.Water Taxi and Shuttle to Larnach Castle

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 100 reviews · from $102

Rob and Holly run a small-group transfer from Port Chalmers or Dunedin to Larnach Castle. You’ll cross the harbour by water taxi, ride a short shuttle up the Otago Peninsula, explore the castle and gardens independently, then finish in Dunedin.

“This was a fabulous experience. Rob arrived at the ferry on time to pick us up despite the fact he had had trouble with his boat. Really reliable All worked like clockwork and this was such a wonderful way to get to Lanarch Castle without sitting in a tour bus for hours”

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10.Milford Track Multi-Night Hike – Water Taxi Transport

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 58 reviews · from $152

Take a one-way water taxi from Te Anau Downs toward the Milford Track area in about 50 minutes. Fiordland Outdoors runs a small-group service for up to 14 people, with friendly staff such as Greg helping hikers manage the trip.

“Booking the transportation to help us get to our booked Milford Track walk was a breeze with Fiordland Outdoors. They were accommodating with requests we made and staff really friendly. Greg, our Water Taxi guide, was friendly and inforRead more”

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11.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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