Overview
Waiheke Island boasts 92km2 of pristine beaches, stunning coastal headlands, vineyards, olive groves and seaside villages and is approximately a 40-minute cruise from Downtown Auckland. One of our most popular destinations, Waiheke Island has been rated as one of the top island escapes in the world.
For an indulgent culinary experience, taste the fresh local cuisine, sip your way through wineries, and sample fresh-pressed olive oils. Or if you're feeling adventurous, explore the network of coastal walking and cycle trails or go ziplining – perfect for taking in the breath-taking clifftop views.
Waiheke Island $35 return deal
Travel off-peak and save
Buy a $35 return ticket to Waiheke Island today, and travel on selected sailings tomorrow and beyond to unlock great savings.
If you’re flexible with your travel times, take advantage of our off-peak sailing times to travel to Waiheke and back for just $35.
How it works:
Purchase your ticket online at least one day before travel.
Your $35 return ticket is valid between specific sailing times. Traveling outside of these times requires a standard full-price return ticket.
Off-peak tickets are valid to depart from downtown Auckland and Waiheke at:
- before 8:29am
- between 12:01pm and 3:29pm
- from 7:01pm until the last evening sailing.
Scan your ticket at the pier, hop on board and enjoy your sailing to Waiheke Island.
When it’s time to return to Auckland, your off-peak ticket is valid between the same sailing times as above.
If you're traveling with children you can purchase a standard child’s ticket with your $35 off-peak return ticket.
*Full terms and conditions apply, available online here.
Where is it?
Located in the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke Island is approximately a 40-minute ferry ride from downtown Auckland. You'll cruise past Auckland's stunning coastlines and beautiful islands as you journey towards Waiheke. You can also catch a Fullers360 ferry from Devonport Ferry Ferminal.
What can I do?
- Vineyards - Home to more than 30 boutique vineyards, Waiheke has become known as New Zealand’s island of wine. Winegrowers on the island have successfully matched the maritime climate and ancient soil structures to produce some of New Zealand's best wines. Visit cellar doors for tastings, or enjoy wine and food pairings at vineyard cafes and restaurants.
- Food - The many island wineries are perfect for culinary indulgence. 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, gelato shops 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 Rangihoua Estate to sample internationally-awarded Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or stop by Te Matuku Oysters to purchase locally farmed seafood.
- Shopping - Oneroa, Ostend and Surfdale are great shopping destinations. Unique stores are bursting with local art, gifts, jewelry, clothing and more. The Ostend Market operates every Saturday from 7.30am to 1pm.
- Beaches - Waiheke is best known for its pristine beaches, and its warm microclimate makes it the perfect swimming spot. Oneroa Bay and Little Oneroa sit side-by-side, and are within walking distance of the main village. Little Oneroa is a perfect place to spend the day, with BBQs, a children’s playground and a sprawling grassy area. Onetangi Beach features 2.5km of beautiful white sand, plus convenient bars and restaurants at the water's edge.
- Walking tracks - Waiheke offers a number 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. Visit our Waiheke Island walking tracks page.
Please be advised: Onetangi Reserve and Goodwin-Te Haahi Reserve have been closed to help reduce the spread of Kauri Dieback and protect our remaining native Kauri forests. For more information about this closure please visit Forest and Bird here.
How do I get around?
There are plenty of ways to travel around Waiheke once you get off the ferry.
- Hire a private vehicle and explore at your own pace. As your own tour guide, you'll be able to venture to parts of the island that most tours don't visit. Pick up and drop off is conveniently located at Matiatia Ferry Terminal. More Waiheke Island car hire information here.
- If you're heading to Waiheke for the weekend the Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus is a flexible and convenient way to see Waiheke your way. The Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus meets each Fullers360 ferry on arrival every Thursday and Friday (between 9am and 5pm) and every Saturday and Sunday (between 9am and 5.20pm). The last tour returns back to Matiatia Ferry Terminal to meet the 7pm sailing back to Auckland and stops at 16 stops around the island - including Oneroa and Onetangi village as well as popular vineyards, walking tracks and art galleries. More about our Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer bus tour here.
- Public transport is available across the island and most services connect with ferry arrival and departure times. For more information and timetables visit the Waiheke Bus Company website.
- Take a tour. Whether you’re planning a full-day foodie adventure, an afternoon of wine tastings, or just a special dinner away from the big city, Waiheke is the perfect destination. Find Waiheke food & wine tours here.
- Or hit the pedals and explore Waiheke Island on a mountain bike or e-bike. Cycle to cafés, past vineyards, or on rugged coastal tracks. Waiheke bike and e-bike hire information here.
What do I need?
- Good walking shoes, sunscreen and a sun hat.
- Swimming gear and a towel in the warmer months.
- A light rain jacket, and warm layers. Temperatures can change quickly, regardless of the season.
How long should I stay?
Waiheke Island makes for a perfect half or full day trip from downtown Auckland. But with so much to see, it's also a superb weekend getaway or extended holiday destination. Check out some of our recommended Waiheke accommodation options here.
Onboard safety guidelines
To ensure you arrive safe and sound please follow our onboard safety guidelines.
Travel Alerts for Waiheke Island
Pier changes during alert level 3
Please be advised due to the essential travel alert 3 timetables in place, sailings are departing and arriving at the following piers in downtown Auckland.
Pier 1 – Hobsonville Point and Beach Haven
Pier 2 - Devonport
Pier 3 – Half Moon Bay
Pier 11/12 – Waiheke Island
Ferry travel will remain available to those who need access to essential travel only, please remember to scan in using the NZ COVID Tracer app QR code posters. Friendly reminder that wearing a face mask or covering is mandatory on public transport for anyone aged over 12 years. It’s also now mandatory to wear your face mask or covering inside ferry terminals during alert level 3, so please remember to keep it on as you queue, board, and disembark from your sailing.
Please check the new timetables before travelling with us: https://fullers.co.nz/covid-19-updates/covid-19-timetables/
COVID-19 alert level 3, step 1
While Auckland remains in step 1 of alert level 3 our ferry services continue to operate on reduced timetables. To view them, click here.
Recreational travel to Waiheke Island is not permitted. You can only travel to Waiheke Island for recreation if you are a resident on the island.
Please remember to wear your face mask or covering in ferry terminals and on board, scan in using the NZ COVID Tracer app, remain seated throughout your journey and be kind to our crew who are doing their best to sail safely.
For more information on ferry travel at step 1 of alert level 3, click here
Long weekend travel during step 1 of alert level 3
A friendly reminder to all that Auckland remains in step 1 of alert level 3. Ferry travel is available to visit friends and whānau, to do exercise, sports or recreation outdoors. Recreational travel to Waiheke Island is not permitted. You can only travel to Waiheke Island for recreation if you are a resident on the island.
Ferry timetables remain unchanged until further notice, to view the timetables please click https://www.fullers.co.nz/covid-19-updates/covid-19-timetables/.
Please remember to wear your face mask or covering in ferry terminals and on board, scan in using the NZ COVID Tracer app, remain seated throughout your journey and be kind to our crew who are doing their best to sail safely.
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