Auckland - Motutapu
Ferry to Motutapu Island
Auckland - Motutapu
Ferry to Motutapu Island
See ferry fares and operators from all over the world in one spot, and find the sailing that fits your trip. Booking early is usually the surest way to get a good price and plenty of choice.
Discounts are available with Direct Ferries all year round. If a senior discount applies to your crossing, it's applied for you automatically once the right age bracket is selected in the passenger options.
Students and recent graduates can claim a 5% saving. Register with our partner Student Beans to verify eligibility, then apply your discount code at checkout.
Resident discounts also apply to a number of Spanish and Italian routes — pick the "Residents" option during search and the fare adjusts automatically. Be ready to show proof of address, such as an ID card or residency certificate, at check-in.
Requirements for travel documents change from route to route, so check what's needed ahead of time. A valid passport is usually required for Auckland to Motutapu travel, plus any visa or national ID relevant to your nationality. Since the rules depend on your citizenship and destination, our Check-in, Travel Documents & Tickets guide is the place to check for the latest guidance and avoid delays at check-in.
To book, just add your departure port, arrival port and preferred date, and you'll see every fare and sailing on offer. You can also compare alternative routes and times to find your best match.
Look out for early-bird pricing and flexible ticket options, such as upgrades or flexi-fares that let you make changes down the line. Entering accurate details — passenger count, vehicle specs and so on — keeps the process running smoothly.
As soon as your booking is confirmed, a confirmation email will land in your inbox. What happens next with your boarding pass depends on the operator you've booked.
Some operators issue boarding passes right away, while others need you to check in at the port itself. Where it's supported, the Direct Ferries app lets you check in online in advance.
You'll usually find ticket desks close to the ferry terminal. Giving yourself a little extra time before departure means you can collect tickets and check in without any stress.
Bring your confirmation email and valid photo ID, such as a passport or identity card, to check in. Pet owners should have vaccination and insurance documents on hand, and anyone with a resident discount should carry proof of address.
There are a few reasons departures from Auckland to Motutapu might not show for your chosen date — a schedule change, sold-out sailings, or a seasonal lull are the most likely. Try another date or check alternative routes through our Route & Port finder.
Booking your Auckland to Motutapu ferry well ahead of time generally works in your favour — you'll usually find better fares and a wider choice of departures and cabins.
A few weeks ahead is usually enough notice to catch the best offers, though fares can still fluctuate with the season and remaining space.
More routes than anyone else.
Compare fares, times & routes in one place.
Change plans easily with flexi tickets.
Book e-tickets & manage trips in-app.
Live ship tracking & real-time updates.
Top-rated customer support when you need it.
Auckland is the largest city in New Zealand and is home to nearly a third of the country’s population. Located on the North Island, this bustling city and the stunning city surroundings attract visitors from all around the world.
There is plenty to do in the heart of this fascinating city. Sky Tower provides the opportunity to see the majestic Auckland skyline, whilst down below there are museums, zoos, parks, fantastic architecture and beautiful waterfronts for you to enjoy.
It is unusual for visitors to stay in the centre of Auckland and you can see why. The Haruki Gulf and its emerald waters attract people to venture out to the surrounding islands. With rainforests, thermal springs, sprawling parks and volcanic cones, the abundance of natural wonders on display is truly remarkable.
Auckland's port is found in the heart of Downtown, boasting a stunning Baroque-style terminal which was completed in 1912. The building is now registered with the Historic Places Trust and houses a wide selection of shops and cafes on the lower level. However, most of the ferry routes are operated within the contemporary terminal building on Quay Street. From here you can sail to the Hauraki Gulf Islands within 25-40 minutes, depending on your destination.
Access to the port is simple for passengers with the terminal just a short walk away from Britomart railway station and the bus exchange. There are bus services from Auckland Airport to Queens Wharf every ten minutes. The ferry services four different New Zealand island destinations out of the Port of Auckland. The most popular route is to Waiheke with over twenty sailings daily, with Fullers Ferry taking passengers to Motutapu, Motuihe and Rangitoto throughout the week.
Motutapu Island is part of the Hauraki Gulf Maritime Park, situated to the northeast of Auckland, New Zealand. A wonderful choice for a daytrip, ferries to Motutapu Island, a pest-free slice of tranquillity, depart from Auckland Harbour once a week, usually taking just over half an hour.
At 178 million years, it’s one of the oldest land areas in the region, with a suitably exciting past. First settled by Maori, it went on to host Victorian picnic parties and was utilised as a World War II base, before undergoing the largest island pest eradication programme on the planet.
Volcanic in origin, Motutapu Island offers countless walking trails including a day-long trek named the Motutapu Loop Track, offering beautiful coastal views along the way. You can also take a refreshing dip at Mullet Bay on the east coast, or relax on one of the island’s many pristine beaches.
