New Zealand · FERRY TICKETS
New Zealand leaves you fewer spare days than you planned for. These 7 ferry tickets justify one, priced and timed so the choice takes a minute.
Ride from Auckland to Waiheke Island, then use the Explorer Bus to reach 16 wineries, beaches, shops, galleries, restaurants, and nature stops. Guides such as Kira, Ruth, Aaron, and Chris add local commentary, while the bus tracker helps you plan each stop. Tastings, meals, and tours cost extra.
“Wonderful day spent at our own pace and not a long wait for the next bus to hop on.”
Take a passenger-only InterIslander ferry from Wellington to Picton in about 3.5 hours. You’ll cross Cook Strait, watch for dolphins and seabirds, and enter the forested Marlborough Sounds. The ticket includes two 23-kilogram bags, viewing-deck access, and a Wellington Railway Station shuttle when needed. Food, drinks, bikes, pets, and extra gear cost more.
“Very good crossing and great facilities , clean and caring staff. Good safe travel and good restaurants .”
Travel by foot or with a vehicle from Picton to Wellington aboard the InterIslander ferry. Cruise through Queen Charlotte Sound, cross Cook Strait, and arrive at Wellington Harbour after about 3.5 hours. You get viewing-deck access and two 23kg baggage items, with cafes, lounges, and family spaces on board.
“Good on board was excellent. The staff were very friendly and helpful. Boarding in Picton was somewhat chaotic in that there were quite a few stairs that needed to be negotiated to get on board and we were not prepared for that challenge. Read more”
Take a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland’s downtown terminal to Rangitoto Island, then choose your own pace. Walk the boardwalk to the 260-metre summit, explore lava caves, and pack all food, water, and sun protection because the island has no shops. The return trip takes about four hours.
“I live in Auckland therefore know something about Rangitoto as well as see the island almost every day hiowever this was the first time I ever had a chance to visit it.The trip by Ferry was good and staff was friendly. We arrived and joined the tour in a tractor pulled wagon that was very bumpy but this was actually part of the fun.The guide was very knowledgeable and friendly showing us all the interesting spots, mentioning aspects of the geography, fauna and flora, and history.We returned, had a time to eat our lunch and walk around. The only thing missing was that the guide (or brochures) we had forgot…”
Take Explore Group’s air-conditioned ferry from Auckland to Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke Island. The 90-minute cruise passes Rotoroa Island before reaching a beachfront cellar door, restaurant, lawn, playground, and calm bay. You have about three and a half hours ashore for wine, lunch, swimming, or simply enjoying the view.
“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.”
Book a reserved seat on the Waiheke Reserve between Auckland and Waiheke Island. Morning sailings leave Auckland at 9am, 10:15am, or 11am, with afternoon returns from Matiatia. The ride takes about 40 minutes. You get a fixed sailing, mobile booking, and free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, but confirm the return time and ticket arrangements carefully.
“Staff was very friendly. A couple of them came up to each passenger and introduced themselves and asked if they needed anything during the trip to reach out to them.”
Take Explore Group’s return ferry from Auckland to Rotoroa Island, a predator-free sanctuary in the Hauraki Gulf. The 75-minute ride each way leaves about four to five hours for walking tracks, beaches, native birds, heritage buildings, and the museum. Bring sealed food for your island picnic.
“What a lovely day trip of peace and quiet. Away from everyone. Ferry ride was fun -- up top was windy and cold but worth the views. While on the island you hike and run around. I ventured and only saw two people from the tour our wholRead more”
Pick a coast, a crater or a cellar door.
