Your Guide to Ferry Options to Waiheke Island

Getting to Waiheke couldn't be easier! With four Waiheke Ferry Departure points across Auckland, and both Passenger Ferry and Vehicle Ferry options for getting to Waiheke, you'll be sailing to paradise in no time! Read on to learn all of the local tips for smooth sailing including our top-tips for seamlessly navigating the Waiheke Ferry Services, even in peak season. Our Waiheke Ferry guide will have you checking into your Waiheke Holiday Home already feeling relaxed. 

Ferry options for getting to Waiheke Island

It can get a bit confusing trying to figure out the easiest way to get to Waiheke Island and on to your Waiheke Holiday Accommodation. As a passenger, you can use all of the ferry options whereas if you're bringing a vehicle you'll need to use the Sealink Service. You can also bring your Bicycle, Scooter, Luggage and even dog on all of the Waiheke Ferry Services (as well as Waiheke Bus Services on island). So how do you decide which ferry service is right for you? We've created a quick reference guide as well as pulling together our top tips to make your trip as simple as possible .

Using the Waiheke Island Passenger Ferry Service | Fullers & Island Direct

As of 2025 you have two passenger ferry service options running from Britomart & Devonport in Auckland to Matiatia Bay on Waiheke Island: Fullers & Island Direct. These ferry services are well connected to Public Transport and other transport options in both Auckland and on Waiheke. Sailings are very regular, from early morning to late night, but be sure to check the relevant timetable for your date. Across most of the year you can arrive to the ferry terminal 15-minutes ahead if you already have tickets, or 20-minutes if you still need to buy them - but be aware that in peak summer the queues for these ferries can get quite long - we suggest you arrive early, grab a coffee and secure your spot in the queue. 

Waiheke Holiday Homes' top tips for Waiheke Passenger Ferries 

• Book your tickets online to get a better price. Buy a multi-pass and share it among your group to get the best rate. 
• Travel off-peak or arrive early in Summer and on long weekends - both departing Auckland and leaving Waiheke. 
• For the best views sit on the Left side departing Auckland or the right side departing Waiheke - you'll get the best views of Rangitoto Volcano
• You can buy Hot Food, Cold Drinks (including alcoholic beverages) and plenty of snacks on board, the perfect way to start your island getaway. 
• On Waiheke, the buses run on a schedule to line up with the ferries so it's easy to use public transport. 
• There's taxi ranks at both Britomart (Auckland) and Matiatia (Waiheke), but note that there is no Uber on Waiheke.
• There is luggage storage space on the Waiheke Passenger ferries
• You can bring your dog on the Waiheke Passenger Ferries

Using the Waiheke Island Vehicle Ferry Service | Sealink

Whether you want to bring your Car to the island or you're travelling on foot, Sealink offers ferry services from two Auckland locations into Kennedy Point on Waiheke Island. Sealink Ferries depart from Half Moon Bay in East Auckland as well as Wynyard Quarter in Auckland Central and run numerous sailings daily from early morning to the evening. If you're planning to bring your vehicle, you're best to book online in advance, especially during peak season. If you're a foot-passenger, chances are the passenger ferries will suit you better as they are better connected to transport options at both ends, but Sealink still offers a great service for foot-passengers. 

Waiheke Holiday Homes' top tips for Waiheke Vehicle Ferry

• Book your car well in advance, especially during Peak Season
• You can bring cars, motorcycles and boats across on the Waiheke Car Ferry 
• You can buy Hot Food, Cold Drinks (including alcoholic beverages) and plenty of snacks on board, the perfect way to start your island getaway. 
• You can bring your dog on the Waiheke Vehicle Ferry
• Bicycles and Scooters are allowed onboard the Vehicle Ferry
• There is one bus service on Waiheke from Kennedy Point that takes you to Oneroa where you can connect to other bus-routes. 
• Got a unique vehicle? If it's tall, long or wide we recommend you reach out to the team so they take you into account during the booking process.

Quick Guide to Waiheke Ferry Options

Should I bring my Car to Waiheke?

Bringing your car to Waiheke is comparatively costly to coming across on the passenger ferry, but it will give you a lot of freedom once you're on the island! You can read all about the alternative transport options on the Island to understand if one of these might suit you better. 

Five Questions to decide if you should bring your car to Waiheke

1. Where is your accommodation located, is it close to the bus-stops and amenities?
2. What do you want to see on the island? Many sights are accessible by bus but the Eastern End and some Vineyards can be a bit more difficult.
3. How much Freedom do you want? The buses run regularly and your Waiheke Holiday Home is likely walkable to alot of amenities, but there's nothing like the freedom to go wherever you want whenever you want. 
4. How does hiring a rental car compare in cost? Depending on how long you are visiting it may be cheaper to hire a rental car for your sight-seeing needs
5. How much luggage do you want to bring? Packing the car and driving it to the door of your Waiheke Accommodation makes it so simple!

Still not sure? Our friendly team will be happy to talk to you about your Holiady Homes location and the best transport options for you - just reach out!

Still Looking for the perfect Accommodation? Let us do the searching for you. 

Our knowledgeable local team can match you to the perfect holiday home for your unique needs, and help you decide the best Waiheke Ferry option while they're at it. Drop us a line and experience the Waiheke Holiday Homes difference. We can't wait to help you plan your dream island getaway.