Top 7 Ferry Trips in New Zealand

1.Waiheke Island: Ferry & Hop-On Hop-Off Explorer Bus Tickets

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 3,311 reviews · 1 day · from $59Our pick

Take the ferry from Auckland to Waiheke, then use a day-pass bus to visit 16 stops at your own pace. Choose from Mudbrick, Cable Bay, Batch, beaches, villages, galleries, olive oil tastings, and nature walks. Guides such as Ruth, Aaron, and Tilly add local color along the way.

“Our driver/guide Aaron was exceptional! He was so knowledgeable about the area, the history, and the tour. Everything went so smoothly and he offered so much great information about New Zealand Highly recommend!!!”

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2.Tiritiri Matangi Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 133 reviews · 5 - 9 hours · from $65

Take an 80-minute ferry from Auckland to pest-free Tiritiri Matangi, then walk forest tracks, spot kōkako, takahē, tīeke, and tuatara, and visit New Zealand’s oldest working lighthouse. Guides such as Malcolm Pullan, Tina, and Vishnu may add expert insight, but you can also explore independently.

“fantastic day trip; ferry was comfortable. safely operated, had all amenities. malcolm pullan was our guide & he taught us so very much about birds, plants, animals, the history of the island, etc. what an incredible ambassador for this conservation project, such a knowledgable person trails really well maintained & varied, nice beach; good gift shop. excellent day trip”

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3.Auckland to Rangitoto Island Ferry

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 109 reviews · from $37

Take a Fullers360 ferry from Auckland’s downtown terminal across the Hauraki Gulf to Rangitoto Island. The core trip includes a return ferry and time to hike toward the 260-meter summit, explore lava caves, or stay near the shore. Check your confirmation carefully if you expect a guided tractor tour.

“Wonderfully planned out. Informative tour up the volcano and then a short hike to the summit. Best views around. So peaceful and serene. A must-co!”

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4.Man O’ War Vineyard Ferry (Waiheke Island)

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 10 reviews · 7 - 8 hours · from $65

Take a 90-minute air-conditioned ferry from Auckland to Man O' War Bay, via Rotoroa Island. Spend 3.5 hours at the beachfront vineyard with wine, lunch, lawn time, a playground, and swimming. Restaurant and tasting bookings are separate, so plan ahead.

“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.”

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5.Waiheke Reserve Ferry Service to Waiheke Island

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 9 reviews · from $35Best value

Ride the Waiheke Reserve from Auckland to Waiheke Island in about 40 minutes. Pre-book a fixed sailing, board up to 20 minutes early, and return the same day or within three weeks. Departures are limited, so check your selected time 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.”

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6.Rotoroa Island Ferry – from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 8 reviews · from $68Top rated

Take a 75-minute ferry from Auckland across Tikapa Moana to Rotoroa Island, a predator-free sanctuary with kiwi, takahē, tīeke, walking tracks, beaches, historic buildings, and a museum. You get 4 to 5 hours ashore before returning to the city.

“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”

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7.Man O’ War Winery on Waiheke Island – Ferry from Auckland

★★★★★★★★★★3.0 · 2 reviews · from $68

Take a 90-minute ferry from Auckland across the Hauraki Gulf to Man O’ War Vineyard on Waiheke Island. You can order a wine flight, eat at the Tasting Room, relax on the lawn, use the playground, or swim in Man O’ War Bay before the return cruise.

“Comfortable journey on the ferry across to Waiheke island and warm welcome to Man o war winery.”

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