Explore Waiheke

Explore Waiheke offer a reliable and modern passenger ferry service between Auckland and the island of Waiheke across the Hauraki Gulf.

The Explore Waiheke service operates around twelve rotations daily between downtown Auckland and Waiheke Islands’ Matiatia Wharf. Departing from Pier 3D of the Auckland ferry terminal, the crossing to the island takes around forty minutes.

Due to the service being popular with commuters, ferries depart Auckland as early as 6 in the morning, running till around just after 8 in the evening on weekdays while at weekends the first departure is just before 9 in the morning, with the last sailing just after 9. Check our timetables for more accurate sailing information.

The crossings are operated by the D5 and D6 Powercats which are capable of carrying around 230 passengers on each trip with a cruising speed of 23 knots. On board you’ll find a full range of café quality snacks, hot and cold drinks as well as local beer and wine. Toilets are available on all vessels too.

With directferries.co.nz you can find Explore Waiheke timetables, fares and book Explore Waiheke ferry tickets. Where applicable we’ll also compare Explore Waiheke with alternative ferry companies.