Waiheke Island is 17.7 km from Downtown Auckland, accessible by Fullers360 ferry from Piers 11 & 12 at the Downtown Ferry Terminal. The crossing takes approximately 40-45 minutes and sailings run daily from 6:00 am through to midnight, with up to 22 services on peak days.
Fullers360 is Auckland's ferry operator to Waiheke Island, serving both visitors and the island's resident commuters.
Covering 92 km² of the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke is New Zealand's most visited island destination. It is home to more than 30 wineries, award-winning restaurants, beaches, and coastal walking tracks, and has been named one of the world's top island escapes by Lonely Planet.
Adult return fares start from $46.50 off-peak; family, commuter, and multi-trip passes are also available.
What to do on the island
Vineyards
Waiheke Island is home to more than 30 wineries producing world-class wines from grapes grown in the island's unique microclimate. Visit Stonyridge, Mudbrick, Te Motu, Cable Bay, and more, all within easy reach of the ferry terminal. Many vineyards offer cellar door tastings, restaurant dining, and stunning views across the Hauraki Gulf.
Food
You'll find a range of options from food pairings to platters and casual lunch options, to gourmet meals at award-winning restaurants. Oneroa Village has beautiful cafes and takeaway options. For a relaxing lunch, take in sea views from The Oyster Inn's restaurant verandah, or venture to Onetangi for casual beachside dining at Charlie Farley's. Visit Allpress Olive Groves to sample internationally awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oil or stop by Te Matuku Oysters to purchase locally farmed seafood.
Beaches
Waiheke is best known for its pristine beaches, and its warm microclimate means the water is perfect for swimming. Oneroa Bay and Little Oneroa sit side-by-side and are walking distance to the main village. Spend the day at Little Oneroa and enjoy the playground and sprawling grassy area. Onetangi Beach is the place to be with beautiful white sand and must-visit bars and restaurants along the water's edge.
Walking tracks
Waiheke offers plenty of native bush tracks and scenic coastal walks with sensational views of surrounding islands and the Coromandel. Starting from Matiatia Ferry Terminal, the Northern Walk features the most diverse track without venturing too far from the ferry. Follow the headland track to Cable Bay, Owhanake Bay, and Oneroa Village before completing the loop back to Matiatia.
Shopping
Oneroa, Ostend and Surfdale are great shopping destinations. Unique stores are bursting with local art, gifts, jewellery, clothing and more. The Ostend Market runs every Saturday from 7.30am to 1pm.
How to get around the island
Hire a private vehicle and explore at your own pace; check out our Waiheke Island car hire.
Make use of the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus, a flexible and convenient way to see Waiheke your way. The bus meets each ferry on arrival every weekday and stops at 15 stops around the island including popular vineyards, beaches and restaurants.
Public transport is available on the island and most services connect with ferry arrival and departure times.
Hit the pedals and explore Waiheke Island on a mountain bike or e-bike. Cycle to cafés, past vineyards, or on rugged coastal tracks. Check out Waiheke bike and e-bike hire.
Experiences on the island
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Reserve
Enjoy a streamlined ride on the Waiheke Reserve ferry. Hop directly onto your pre-booked service, perfect for travellers with fixed schedules.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Eastern Explorer Tour
Discover Waiheke Island's best kept secret. This is Waiheke’s lesser known, awe-inspiring side, with a blend of dramatic views, adventurous tastes, and rich history all packaged into a laid-back experience.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus
Waiheke Island is known for its breath-taking vineyards, beaches, and seaside villages. The Western Explorer Hop-On Hop-Off bus is the easiest way to access these beautiful attractions.
Waiheke Island
Taste of Waiheke
Looking for the ultimate day out on Waiheke Island? The Taste of Waiheke tour ticks all the boxes with a vineyard lunch and a variety of tastings at the best spots on the island.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Wine and Dine
Enjoy return ferry tickets, a tour of Waiheke Island and an iconic winery experience as part of Fullers360’s Waiheke Wine and Dine package.
Waiheke Island
Vineyard Explorer
Experience three of Waiheke Island’s best wineries and take a tour of the island with the Fullers360’s Vineyard Explorer package.
Waiheke Island
Zip, Wine and Dine
Take the ultimate day trip to Waiheke Island on the Zip, Wine and Dine package with the combination of the iconic Ecozip Adventure tour and our popular Taste of Waiheke tour.
Waiheke Island
Ferry and Car Hire
Fullers360’s Ferry and Car Hire provides you with the flexibility to explore Waiheke Island end to end.
Waiheke Island
Waiheke Sea, Land and Sky
Experience the gorgeous Waiheke Island by ferry, bus and a scenic plane as part of Fullers360’s premier experience package.
Waiheke Island
Ferry and e-Bike Hire
With expansive vistas at every turn, Waiheke Island is an e-bikers dream. Hit the pedals and cycle between the many vineyards on the island, stop at cafés and boutique shops, enjoy a pit stop at the beach or get adventurous and cycle one of the islands rugged coastal tracks.
Waiheke Island
EcoZip Adventure Tour
Fly on three separate ziplines high above a vineyard and lush forest canopies, taking in breath-taking views over the Hauraki Gulf and back to the city.
Terms & Conditions
Q: How long is the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke Island?
The Fullers360 ferry from Downtown Auckland (Piers 11 & 12) to Matiatia Wharf on Waiheke Island takes approximately 35 to 40 minutes. Some services stop via Devonport and take around 10 minutes longer.
Q: How much does the Waiheke Island ferry cost?
Adult return tickets start from $46.50 for off-peak sailings (depart Auckland from 1pm). Walk-up adult return fares are $62. Child return (ages 5-15) starts from $21 off-peak. Children under 5 travel free. Family tickets (2 adults + 2 children) are from $99 off-peak.
Q: How often does the Waiheke Island ferry run?
Fullers360 runs up to 22 ferry services per day to Waiheke Island on peak days. On weekdays, sailings depart from 6:00 am through to 11:45 pm. Weekend and public holiday services run from 7:00 am. Sailings are available 7 days a week, year-round.
Q: Where does the Waiheke Island ferry depart from in Auckland?
Fullers360 ferries to Waiheke Island depart from Piers 11 & 12 at the Downtown Ferry Terminal, 99 Quay Street, Auckland CBD. The terminal is a short walk from Britomart train station and the city centre.
Q: Can I take a bike on the Waiheke Island ferry?
Yes, bikes and scooters are welcome on Fullers360 ferries to Waiheke Island, subject to availability and vessel capacity. We recommend checking the travel information page for current conditions before travelling.
Q: Is there a cheaper way to travel to Waiheke Island regularly?
Yes. Fullers360 offers commuter passes and the Waiheke Weekly Pass for regular travellers, 8 or 10 trips in a 14-day window, available in the Fullers360 app, starting from $129. Monthly and annual passes are also available for daily commuters.
Q: Is there a cheaper way to travel to Waiheke Island regularly?
Yes. Fullers360 offers commuter passes and the Waiheke Weekly Pass for regular travellers, 8 or 10 trips in a 14-day window, available in the Fullers360 app, starting from $129. Monthly and annual passes are also available for daily commuters.
Q: Who operates the Waiheke Island ferry?
Fullers360 operator between Downtown Auckland and Waiheke Island. Fullers360 has been operating Hauraki Gulf ferry services for over 40 years and holds Qualmark Gold accreditation.
Q: Do I need to book in advance for the Waiheke ferry?
Walk-up tickets are available and valid for one year from purchase.
Hauraki Gulf destinations
Destination
Auckland City
New Zealand's largest and most diverse city, Auckland is a bustling hub for outstanding food, shopping, and entertainment.
Destination
Rangitoto Island
Sitting majestically off the coast, Rangitoto’s distinctive symmetrical cone rises 260m over the Hauraki Gulf. Climb to the summit for epic views.
Destination
Orapiu
A world away from the western end of the island, visit the east of Waiheke Island for its untouched beauty, picturesque views and mouth-watering vineyards.
Travel with us
Terms and conditions
Travel to all destinations is subject to Fullers360 Terms and Conditions and Code of Conduct.
