Getting There and Away

Written by Callum Taylor, Camille Laurent, Marika Maslanka
25/08/2025
Waiheke Island, in the Hauraki Gulf of New Zealand, seen from a light airplane on the way to Great Barrier Island. Looking towards the east.
Ingolfson, Wikimedia Commons

Waiheke Island is accessible from various points in Auckland, including downtown Auckland City, Half Moon Bay, and Devonport for ferry services, with Matiatia and Kennedy Point being the primary arrival terminals on the island. Air travel options also exist from Auckland's Ardmore Airport or via helicopter and seaplane services from downtown Auckland.

Fullers360 Passenger Ferry (Downtown Auckland - Matiatia, Waiheke Island):

This service offers frequent departures. The journey typically takes 35-45 minutes. A standard adult return ticket purchased as a 'walk-up' fare costs approximately $59.00, while purchasing online may reduce this to $55.00. Off-peak return deals, valid for travel from Auckland from 1:00 PM and returning from Waiheke from 7:00 PM, are available for around $44.00. Pre-booked 'Reserve' return tickets can cost $95.00. Children (5-15 years) walk-up return tickets are about $27.00, with off-peak options at $19.00. Children under 5 travel free. Monthly passes are also available for frequent travelers, priced at approximately $403.00 for adults, which includes free bus travel on the island.

Island Direct Passenger Ferry (Downtown Auckland - Matiatia, Waiheke Island):

This alternative ferry service also departs from downtown Auckland, arriving at Matiatia. The travel time is comparable to Fullers360. A return ticket is approximately $55.00.

SeaLink Car and Passenger Ferry (Half Moon Bay or Hamer Street, Auckland - Kennedy Point, Waiheke Island):

For those wishing to take a vehicle, SeaLink operates car and passenger ferries. The journey takes around 45-60 minutes. An adult passenger ticket starts from $28.00 one-way. Transporting a standard vehicle with a driver typically starts from $154.00 one-way, with prices varying based on vehicle type and booking factors. Bookings for vehicles are highly recommended.

Flights (Fixed-wing, Helicopter, Seaplane):

Fixed-wing flights operate from Ardmore Airport to Reeves Airfield on Waiheke Island, with a flight time of about 35 minutes. Scenic flights are available, starting from approximately $179-$189. Helicopter and seaplane transfers are also an option from downtown Auckland, taking roughly 10 minutes by helicopter, offering a swift and scenic route to the island.

On-Island Public Transport:

Upon arrival at Matiatia Ferry Terminal, public buses are available, timed to meet ferry arrivals. These buses connect to key areas such as Oneroa, Onetangi Beach, Palm Beach, Ostend, and Surfdale. A single bus fare for an adult, when using an AT HOP card, is approximately $2.80, with a single one-zone fare covering multiple bus trips within four hours. The bus network is primarily electric and offers frequent services on main routes. Taxis, shuttle services, and hop-on hop-off bus tours are also readily available on the island, with car and scooter rentals offered at Matiatia Wharf.

Check out our other pages on Waiheke Island

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