Discover Coromandel

Frequently Asked Questions

• How far in advance do I need to arrive for my ferry?

  Boarding for Coromandel closes 15 minutes before departure time.

  If you have pre-purchased tickets from our website or MyFerry app, please make sure you have printed or downloaded your e-ticket BEFORE you leave home. This option allows you to go straight to boarding.
  
  If you are travelling from the Downtown ferry terminal please allow AT LEAST 45 minutes before your ferry departure to navigate the terminal and board your ferry. Please note the time provided is estimated and does not include car parking and walk time to terminal. Click here to learn more.

  Please use the current Ferry Terminal Pier Map below as a guide - the red dotted lines show where pedestrian access is available:

  

• How do I pre-book my ferry trip or tour online to avoid ticket queues?

  Choose the destination or tour (and date of travel if applicable) and click ‘buy now’ and follow the transaction instructions to complete your purchase online. You’ll receive a confirmation email and your e-ticket to either print at home or download BEFORE you leave home so you can go straight to your boarding pier [indicated on the ticket].
  Click here to learn more. 

  We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance of travel and arrival at the ferry terminal, especially during the peak of summer and public holidays.

• How long should I stay in Coromandel?

  Coromandel offers different length experiences depending on what sort of stay you'd like to have. This really depends on how much of the Coromandel you want to experience. You will spend at least one full day exploring the region. The 1 day trip sees you leave in the morning and return the same evening. If you wish to stay longer you can. You can spend a night, a weekend or even longer exploring the gorgeous Coromandel (depending on the time of year you're travelling). Be sure to check out our ferry timetable to see when our return sailings are. Click here for ferry timetables.

• What is there to do in the Coromandel?

  There is always something to see and do, including the Driving Creek Railway and Potteries, the Waterworks, beautiful landscape attractive to walkers and cyclists, and of course the friendly Coro-style hospitality offering fresh local seafood and catering for all tastes. Stop by one of the nearby stunning beaches (Whangapoua Beach, New Chums Beach, Hot Water Beach, Kuaotunu, Whitianga) for family swimming and picnics. For a bit more of an adventure, stay longer and explore Cathedral Cove, Hot Water Beach, Coromandel’s most famous attractions or the remote splendour of the Northern Coromandel. We offer a range of tours to these attractions, to view our range of tours click here.

• What do I need to bring?

  This varies depending on how long you plan to stay and which activities you plan on doing. Good walking shoes, sun block and a sun hat, swimming gear and a towel are key items during summer. Plenty of water, snacks and lunch may also be a good idea although there are placea to get food in Coromandel Town. A rain jacket and warm clothing may also be a good idea, depending on the time of year and conditions.

• Can I bring my bicycle?

  Yes, however there is limited capacity so you must book this in at the time of your ferry booking to ensure we have space to carry it.

• How do I get from the wharf to Coromandel Town?

  A return shuttle between the wharf to Coromandel Town is included in your ferry tickets.

• How do I get to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove from the wharf?

  You can book our two-day Coromandel Classic tour which will take you to Hot Water Beach and Cathedral Cove. For more information on our tour click here.

• Is the ferry to Coromandel a direct service?

  No. The ferry to Coromandel makes stops at Orapiu, Waiheke Island and Rotoroa Island to drop off and pick up passengers.

• Is my ticket valid for future dates, or only the day/time specified on the ticket?

  Sailings to Coromandel have limited capacity - this means bookings are essential and valid only for the date and time indicated on the ticket. If you’re planning an overnight stay in Coromandel Town, you'll need to ensure you book the exact date and time you wish to return.

• I’m staying the night in Coromandel Town, where should I stay?

  There are plenty of great accommodation options depending on what kind of stay you’d like. Here are some that we recommend:

  • ANCHOR LODGE anchorlodgecoromandel.co.nz
  • OCEANS RESORT WHITIANGA oceanresort.co.nz
  • TOP 10 HOLIDAY PARK coromandelholidaypark.co.nz
  • THE COROMANDEL TREEHOUSE coromandeladventures.co.nz

  If you’re planning an overnight stay and have booked your own accommodation at one of the destinations we travel to, please ensure you have booked the correct return ferry on the exact date and time you wish to return.

  IMPORTANT: A same day return ticket does not allow an overnight stay at any of our destinations. Avoid disappointment on the day and check you book the correct return ferry trip!