It's that time again - Fullers360 will be making the switch to peak summer timetables on Monday, 17 October. With tourism numbers predicted to continue increasing, we want to assure all customers we are equipped to make the most of this summer season.
Like many other businesses across the country, Fullers360 has been managing staff shortages for some time due to the industry-wide skills shortage. In July we shared an update on how these staff shortages have been impacting Fullers360 and unfortunately, these challenges continue to impact our business as we enter the busy peak season.
Our skills shortage isn’t a simple fix. The limited talent pool in New Zealand means we need skilled people with specific marine qualifications, as set out by Maritime New Zealand, which take many months/years to achieve from an entry level position. So, we are actively engaging people from other markets including Manila, South Africa, Australia and the US; however, due to qualifications alignment and visa implications, ongoing work is required to reconcile this for new immigrants to New Zealand.
Despite these challenges, we are pleased to be able to run a very similar timetables to the ones that were in place this time last year.
Waiheke Island
This year’s peak summer timetable is similar to the one that was in place this time last year. Waiheke Island will have an additional 32 return sailings to-and-from the island on weekends. This includes half hourly between 9am-12pm and 2pm-6.30pm from Auckland to Waiheke and from 10am-1pm and 3pm-8pm from Waiheke to Auckland.
Weekday sailings will largely remain the same with an additional 3.30pm and 4.30pm from Auckland to Waiheke from Monday to Friday.
To view this timetable, click here.
Rangitoto Island and Rotoroa Island
Our island destinations will continue to enjoy regular frequency with daily sailings for Rangitoto Island and the return of Friday sailings for Rotoroa Island.
To view the Rangitoto timetable, click here.
To view this Rotoroa timetable, click here.
Coromandel
Regrettably, the Coromandel ferry service will remain on hold through the 2022/23 summer season. The service will be reinstated as soon as we are able to do so.
Plan ahead
Waiheke Island commuters: Fullers360 will maximise the Residents’ Lane to ensure you can continue accessing ferry services, without added disruption.
Visitors: As always, we recommend arriving well in advance of your desired sailing. If you intend to travel to Waiheke Island during our peak times (between 10am-12pm and 4pm-6pm) please arrive at least one hour in advance of your desired sailing to get you in the best position for boarding.
Waiheke Island weekdays: We anticipate commuting to the city will not be largely impacted, but the commute home on Thursday and Friday evenings will be busy, particularly from 3pm - we recommend arriving as early as possible to give you the best chance to board your preferred sailing.
Waiheke Island weekends: Our busiest times are:
- Auckland to Waiheke Island between 10am-12pm
- Waiheke to Auckland from 3pm.
If you have flexibility with travel times, we recommend travelling off-peak. Fullers360 is currently offering a 2 for $60 deal when book online more than 24 hours in advance. Simply use the code *2FOR60 when booking your ferry tickets online with Fullers360. Not travelling with a friend? No worries, you can still purchase one off-peak return ticket for just $35!
See you on the water.
* 2FOR60 deal available until 31 November 2022
